Initiated by Portland design duo Studio Gorm, Furnishing Utopia is a touring exhibition of works by 12 international design studios. Following a workshop at the Hancock Shaker Village, where the designers explored the Shaker aesthetic, craft and values, the pieces are inspired by their minimalism, purity, thoughtfulness and integrity.
Illustrations by Josh Metersky of all of the pieces in the show.
More illustrations by Josh Metersky, which have been turned into a collection of cards.
Woven Stools by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio
After 5 days of studying Shaker archives, examining the furniture and craftsmanship, and learning about their processes and manufacturing methods, each studio returned home to use this information to reinterpret Shaker design in their own way. The result is "Furnishing Utopia", which was first shown at Sight Unseen Offsite during NY Design Week 2016.
Standing Desk by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio (photography: Charlie Schuck)
The exhibition featured the designers' work alongside selected Shaker artifacts from Hancock Village.
Standing Desk by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio (photography: Charlie Schuck)
The group returned to Hancock Shaker Village, along with photographer Charlie Schuck, to photograph the pieces in that original context.
All photography at Shaker Village: Charlie Schuck // Site: Hancock Shaker Village
Participating Designers: Studio Gorm, Ladies & Gentlemen Studio, Darin Montgomery, Norm Architects, Jonah Takagi, Hallgeir Homstvedt, Studio Tolvanen, Christopher Specce, Gabriel Tan, Zoe Möwat, Tom Bonamici.
For more information on this ongoing project, please visit www.shakerdesignproject.com