Reimagining Heritage Through Craft
In 17th-century colonial America, furniture design merged with English motifs to produce chunky chests and spool-legged seating. It was a time characterized by the construction of traditional wooden vessels, as well as the emergence of a particular interpretation of the high-backed Windsor chair in Boston. Furniture-maker and artist Aspen Golann draws upon these historical influences to craft contemporary pieces that celebrate this legacy.
For more on historical artistry, visit Wendell Castle’s Artistic Legacy to see how craftsmanship evolves over time.
The “Meeting Bench,” a collaboration with chairmaker Peter Galbert, and “Union Settee” reflect on how furniture shapes our social interactions. Golann’s focus is on the relationship between form and function, as well as the ties between people and their everyday objects, explored through her quirky brushes and brooms.
Weaving History with Artistic Vessels
Golann’s fascination with early American furniture led her to another historical craft: embroidery. As part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Vacheron Constantin Artisan Residency, she embarked on crafting ornate woodwork inspired by needlework, a traditionally female craft. This 18-month program emphasizes traditional techniques, bringing Golann together with artists including ceramicist Ibrahim Said and jeweler Joy Harvey.
Her vessels, such as the “Pouring Vessel,” employ strapworking to etch needlework motifs into wood. Much like working on antique wooden creations, this process is meticulous and deeply rooted in history. Chests and cabinets like the “Crewel Cabinet” stand as testaments to the craft, featuring intricate carvings of flora and fauna reminiscent of vibrant threads found in colonial crewel embroidery, showcasing the beauty of these traditional crafts.
Celebrating Women’s Historical Contributions
The historical embroideries, often parts of dowries, remain underrepresented in major art contexts. Golann remarks on the rarity of such pieces, “[The embroidery] is under-researched and under-displayed.” With her work, she aims to give these traditions a place in modern discourse, ensuring they’re not forgotten or hidden away.
The “Crewel Cabinet,” composed of 37 staves, each with 14 colored layers, stands at an evocative height of five feet, four inches. The carved details of plants and animals represent not only the whimsy of early American embroidery but also the delicate narratives of the women behind them. The construction style reflects the techniques once used on historical vessels.
Dive into the world of ornate crafts with Mauricio Romano’s Sculptural Paper Clock, offering a unique take on time-telling through design.
Future Projects and Exhibitions
Golann is set to create a new piece for the U.S. Treasury, incorporating precious metals to echo American embroidery’s intricate designs onto furniture. Her piece will feature reflective surfaces, allowing viewers to become part of the story.
Additionally, she is preparing for a solo exhibition at the Fuller Craft Museum next November. Until then, her “Crewel Cabinet” will be showcased at Superhouse in New York City as part of the group exhibition “Pattern Recognition: Superhouse at Five,” running from November 6 to December 19.
Source: thisiscolossal.com
Frequently asked questions
What inspires Aspen Golann’s wooden creations?
Aspen Golann draws upon historical influences from 17th-century colonial America where furniture design merged with English motifs. Her work is inspired by traditional wooden furniture and motifs from that era.
What unique technique does Aspen Golann use in her work at the Met residency?
Golann embarks on crafting ornate woodwork inspired by needlework, which involves employing strapworking to etch needlework motifs into wood. This technique is deeply rooted in history and reflects traditional embroidery methods.
When will Aspen Golann’s work be exhibited at Superhouse in New York City?
Her work, including the ‘Crewel Cabinet,’ will be showcased in the group exhibition ‘Pattern Recognition: Superhouse at Five,’ running from November 6 to December 19.
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