above: hai_speed by Phillip Grass, 2009
above: The Flying Chair by Phillip Grass, December 2007
(digital prototype to be built later this year out of wood, fiberglass,
epoxy resin and chrome paint. The seat will be a shell of fiberglass,
upholstered with PU foam and white leather.)
above: Zhair chair by Phillip Grass, July 2008 (digital prototype)
Rhode Island-based furniture designer Phillip Grass has an eye toward the future. His sculptural designs are works of art: fluid, sleek and playful, evoking a sense of speed. His goal? To create “furniture that stimulates the senses and enriches the surroundings – as good artwork does.”
His talent and sensitivity to stability, size and material is well earned. Grass studied at the Art Academy in Bremen, learned wood-sculpture in Austria, and built furniture for respected Copenhagen manufacturer Rud Rasmussen before starting out on his own.
About Grass’s newest, hai_speed series (top image), in his own words:
“In the hai_speed world, there have been found six species so far. They all come from the same source and share certain characteristics. Each hai_speed being is made entirely by hand. The core is shaped out of wood (1). In order to ensure each hai_speed being a long life the wooden core is strengthened with layers of bamboo fiber (2) and epoxy resin. As hai_speed beings do not only look good and fast but are real freedom lovers each hai_speed being is finally coated with automotive quality paint. This ensures that hai_speed beings can enjoy life in their residence as well as next to the pool preparing for a swim.
The dimensions of the hai_speed species discovered so far are about 300 x 130 x 100 cm or 9’10” x 4’4″ x 3’4″ (LxWxH).”
For more information, visit www.phillipgrass.com or www.phillipgrassgallery.com
*All images courtesy of Phillip Grass