Andrew Peklo

Growing up in the wonderful fifties era of childhood freedom and responsibility I luckily found something to focus on, Industrial Design. Properly and thoroughly indoctrinated in the 60s – 70s modernism and functionalism (with self imposed studies of LeCorbusier’s Modulor) at the University of Bridgeport, I started my career. Having concentrated on Interiors and Furniture in college I put myself into the business of building and designing buildings and furniture. Working for people whom I admired and supplementing my learning with self employed projects I was able to become a licensed Architect. Post collage travels to Northern Europe helped reinforce my education. The most influential time came in 1985 at a weeklong seminar with Christopher Alexander and then more travel to Europe but that time to Eastern Europe to try to get a sense of medieval things and places. The concept of universal beauty was proposed, accepted and has been my focus from then on. Simply put, good design and beauty is not judged by fashion or newness, drama or excitement or any of the other intellectual justification so rampant today. It just is. It somehow is a reflection of the human condition. As for the chair I have made for this show. Back in 1973 I made a prototype for a leather sling chair. It is still in my basement. It was adjustable in seat and back angles. It helped me study and determine what I thought was a good sit. That produced the next prototype that sat well and one didn’t mind looking at it. Corbo’s structural efficiencies were on my mind. At some point in the early 90s I introduced curves to the structure, and then the rocking movement. Because I have a hard time subbing out aspects of my work, my solutions are sometimes driven in part by things I can do, ie leather laces and no sewing. With each piece over the years there has been further refinement.

Design is problem solving. Good function is paramount and when coupled with visual pleasure and honest use of materials one may find success. Traditional construction is important to me and I try to combine it with original thought. Someone once described my chairs as medieval/ contemporary, I like that. These are attributes I strive for, whether I am working on a piece of furniture or doing Architecture.

www.peklodesignandjoinery.com