Caleb Ferris
USA
At COLLECTIBLE New York 2024, I collaborated with NJ Roseti to explore the intersection of furniture design and architecture by each creating an architectural column that reflects our unique perspectives. My piece, "Don’t Wanna Know," crafted from ebonized red oak with carved maple appliqués, captures the tension between curiosity and the instinct to let certain mysteries of New York City remain unsolved. This project not only highlights our individual interpretations but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community in the design industry, showcasing how different minds can approach the same challenge in diverse ways.
Caleb Ferris is a furniture artist who creates tongue-in-cheek designs that remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. Finding inspiration in life’s overlooked and underappreciated details––such as the ruffled curves of noodles, the tempting glint of fishing lures, or the bounce of inflated cartoons––Caleb draws attention to the things we often take for granted. His creative process borrows motifs from his personal library of objects, which he abstracts and recontextualizes until each piece is infused with its own distinct personality. He also incorporates spontaneous finishing techniques that celebrate materiality and the fabrication process behind the finished product. Through his work, Caleb invites viewers to appreciate the atypical beauty surrounding us and encourages us to be present and receptive to it.