As time has passed, Michael Jantzen has evolved with his versatile profile as an artist, architect, designer and above all an environmentalist., He has always endeavored to use new methods and materials for creating ideas, concepts and designs and his latest work, the ‘Hinged Wooden Forms,’ expresses a unique organic sensibility adept with the present times. It is a collection of sculptures, art tables, fruit bowls, etc. all made out of hundreds of pieces of sustainable wood, hinged together with thousands of steel screws and hinges.
What is idiosyncratic about this creation and his past work is that its form, just like his previous work is self generated. The wooden pieces have not been deliberately given a definite shape, but are the outcome of unexpected and random assembling. All the pieces are handmade by layering wooden strips together end to end, attached with hinges to make triangular trusses of various sizes and shapes.
The implicit inspiration for this creation lies in Jantzen’s previous work, the M-house, whose components were hooked together to permit restricted movement of its components to suit various functions. And, although a first look at these wooden pieces might give you a false impression about their rigidity, the fact is that each component is fixed securely and will not move.
The axiom that underlines this particular work by Jantzen is his constant search for the unexpected forms of beauty and the complexities of working with multi component structures. The Hinged Wooden forms are not only aesthetic, but are equally functional. Their subtle colors and design capture an abstract purity and simplicity, which makes fit well into the eco conscious lifestyle.
All images © Michael Jantzen
[Thanks Michael]
