Furniture
Furniture like art has evolved through history in style, form, color, and dimension. In talking about the history of furniture, two iconic figures hardly miss in the conversations; the Shakers and Donald Judd. These two groups of people lived in different times of history but had a significant impact on furniture making that is significant until today. For instance, in 1930, Edward Deming and Faith began the documentation of the Shaker’s contribution to furniture. Their action was motivated by the fear of complete assimilation of the art by the new wave of modernity. Thus most furniture made by the Shakers is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Judd, on the other hand, existed way later after the Shakers and was known for his functionality theme. He pushed forward the idea that furniture was similar to art but more functional. This paper will review the contrast and polarity that exists between the furniture made by the Shakers and Judd. It will focus on the specific styles used, material, purpose, and significance, as well as the inspiration behind it.
The Shakers made furniture in a self-sufficient manner in line with their doctrinal teachings. They were commonly referred to as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing. This group resided in Lebanon, New York, in 1787 and was active till 1947. In their attempt to live a segregated life from the sins of the world, they engaged in self-sustaining activities such as growing their crops and building their own houses. Their skills in the craft were motivated by the principles of honesty, utility, and simplicity. Their designs were greatly minimalized and of a unique quality. These qualities are what made their furniture most distinguished from any other furniture. They avoid the use of ornaments such as inlays and veneers, as it was considered a sin of pride. The materials used by Shakers were locally obtained wood, such as pine, maple, and cherry. They instilled a lot of creativity in their work, especially the arrangements of drawers in an asymmetrical form. The Shaker’s abode by the Millennial Laws, which was a belief of a time of peace they would spend with Christ. These Laws influenced the homogeneity of the colors they used on each furniture. The most common colors were blue, green, red, and yellow.
Judd was an artist of the 20th century that brought a correlation between art and design, especially in furniture making. He was much inspired by designer Alar Aalto and Mies van der Rohe, to name but a few. A closer look at Judd’s work revealed a great deal of resemblance to these designers. Although some claim a minimalist look in Judd’s work, others find such claims erroneous. In defense to this, they attribute his work to center mostly on function, scale, proportion and material. His design was to be uncomplicated and straightforward. The elements of Judd’s work were quite uncommon in art during his time. He demonstrated a great deal of innovation in employing industrial materials in his artwork. These materials included wood, plywood, painted and anodized aluminum, copper and concrete. Judd’s love for colors was shown both in his art and furniture,
In conclusion, furniture in the 18th century and the 20th century was different and unique. The minimalist style that was most common in the 18th century became less attractive in the 20th century. Also, diversification in the use of colors and materials of work is common. Influence and inspiration have also changed, considering the rise in the level of transactions in the modern world. Old and unique furniture designs still exist in museums for future reference.