Brian Thoreen
In Brian Thoreen’s work, material is the master. Fusing art and design, having worked in the fields of fashion, architecture and art, the Los Angeles-based designer uses the material’s nature as prime inspiration, letting the form emerge organically through making. Paired with exceptional craftsmanship, it’s an a approach that makes for a playful and contemporary, very slick collection that could easily take centre stage in a room.
In the Rubber Credenza, fluid handles protrude from the body seamlessly – making use of the malleable nature of rubber, and precise sheets of brass break up the main structure – the decadent quality of brass becoming a perfect accent. Between the soft matt finish of the main form and the luxury touches of brass it’s a satisfying contrast of materials.
For the Growth Table, brass inspires in a different way. This time, along with its tactile nature and ability to be polished to a beautiful shine, it’s the solidity of the metal that is celebrated. The chunky, straight forms that are the legs become fluid as they open out to a bloom-like shape, one part blending into the other and then back again. Spontaneous and sleek at the same time, the table shows just what can be done with this material when you let its qualities play out organically.
Then there’s the Mixed Marble Coffee Table – the stone inspiring various geometric shapes depending on the patterning, or the Torpedo Chandelier, clean and almost space-like in form. Whatever piece it is of Thoreen’s, whether one of the more fluid or the more rigid – or more likely one that encompasses both, tactility and form always stand out. Well-executed and truly original, these are design pieces that pay tribute to material wholeheartedly and do so quite perfectly at the same time.
Credits: Brian Thoreen
