A chair is a seat with four legs for support and a rest for the back. It is a basic piece of furniture that most of us own. But is it more than that? Does it take on the characteristics of its owner?
Lucian Freud, paper & mixed media, 32 x 34 x 48″
Vincent Tomczyk is interested in how this basic piece of furniture takes on the characteristics of its owners. It is an interesting concept. We do become attached to our chairs – at home, in the studio, at the office. My father loved his recliner – in the last few years of his life it is where he spent much of his time. Years after his passing, when I return to my childhood home and sit in his chair I feel his presence surround me, enveloping me in both comfort and sadness.
Paper Eames Chair LCW, various papers, hand painted, 22 x 23 x 28″
Tomczyk builds chair and bench frames with foam core and chipboard, then covers them with different papers, hand painting and sewing the paper to achieve the look he wants. Don’t sit on them, they won’t hold you – but the memories they evoke will surely bring you to another place.
Bergère, various papers, 26 x 26 x 36″
“I am currently working on a series of paper chairs. I am interested in how personal chairs can become over time – almost taking on the characteristics of their owners. Chairs provide a sense of dignity – from hand carved stools in Africa, to thrones in Europe.”
Wallet, paper, nylon thread, 4 x 3 x 0.5″ (folded)
The artist is masterful with paper, paint and thread. In addition to the chairs and benches, his portfolio includes realistic constructions made solely of paper (pictured above and below here) and those made with other materials.
Shirt & Tie, mulberry and various other papers, 23 x 30 x 4″
“As an artist working primarily with paper, my art requires me to be part craftsman and part engineer. I learned a lot about how to construct things by working at my father’s side, in his workshop. I’m compelled to produce work that is visually poetic by using a medium that defies perceived limitations.”
