A George Nakashima dining table and chairs
Artist and woodworker George Nakashima is synonymous with American craft, and with a recent introduction from my friend Helen Liu at Nakashima’s New Hope compound, you see his direct experience with nature is evident. Nakashima’s life spanned from 1905 to 1990 born in Spokane, Washington growing up in the forests of the Olympic Peninsula. His global education encompassed University of Washington and a Master’s from MIT in 1930, as well as the Prix Fontainebleau from L’Ecole Americaine des Beaux Arts in France in 1928.
After work experiences in Tokyo and India, and as war broke out, Nakashima returned to the US, and married in 1941. During that time, along with his wife sent to the War Relocation Camps. Eventually coming to Bucks County rented a small house and built his workshop.
Now, his estate is comprised of many studios and showrooms all set in Nakashima’s aesthetic. The craftman’s legacy continues in the work of new designers discussing his influence such as Eric Manigian from an interview in Brooklyn Modern.
Visit the Nakashima site for more information and shopping details. While you’re in New Hope, the studio is definitely a must-see to tour the impressive process and hopefully Nakashima’s son, Kevin will be available to share the history.
A showroom in Hamburg, Germany, featuring Nakashima designs in collaboration with Michael Gabellini
A solid walnut coffee table by designer Eric Manigian
The Arts Building, one of the Nakashima structures
A closeup view of mosaic wall designed by Ben Shahn created in 1972
OMG, Geoffry, this work of Nakashima is so full of my favorite Japanese aesthetic: Wabi Sabi. Yummy stuff!
It is quite remarkable how George Nakashima’s work is so compelling and attractive even today!
Part of the design industry is having the “Do It Yourself” movement, making one thing at a time, as opposed to mass production. We have been under a spell of over consuming, over producing and over designing (may I dare to say this..) The return of the pure and simple, and making what you need to use, is so refreshing!
For several decades now, Nakashima Woodworkers have been consistently making beautiful and functional objects under this philosophy. Whether Mr. Nakashima’s aesthetics pleases you or not, it is safe to say that his objects stand firm for artistry, quality and authenticity.
To me, that is relevant and sustainable.
Helen