Dwell 24: Samson Furniture Design

Wang's sense of movement is most prominent in Rhythmic Serenity‚ a lounge chair made of ebonized white ash that appears to take off toward the sky. Employing digital and analog techniques‚ he creates pieces that reveal his exacting execution and personal handiwork. He credits his propensity for working with wood—used in the majority of his designs—to his grandfather‚ who was a carpenter. 

"When I do woodworking‚ I feel connected to family back in China as well as to nature."

A recent graduate of Sheridan College‚ Wang participated in WantedDesign Manhattan’s Launch Pad last May‚ where he showed his newest works‚ including INK‚ a side table‚ which was inspired by calligraphy and the landscape of China’s Jiangnan region.

Learn what Wang does to avoid procrastination, and read his other responses to our Q&A, below.

Hometown: Beijing, China

Current Location: Oakville, Ontario

Describe what you make in 140 characters. Drawing inspiration from Chinese culture and modern influences, I use both traditional and contemporary woodworking skills produce furniture.

What's the last thing you designed? XIAN, a walnut corner cabinet

Do you have a daily creative ritual? Not really

How do you procrastinate? My designs and fabrications are the result of an intensive quest to achieve personal satisfaction. Once I start a project, I normally work 8-9 hours a day and 7 days a week to keep the design and fabrication rhythm running, bringing the design from an idea to reality. I have a very strong sense of urgency, so I manage my schedule and update my deadlines weekly, which motivates me and keeps me from procrastinating.

What everyday object would you like to redesign? Why? Chairs. I think chairs should be comfortable and look good from all directions. A chair can be a complex piece of furniture, with infinite forms and challenges to explore. I find that chair design is interesting; as I start to build one, it makes me feel like I am still drawing the object, just in a three-dimensional space.

Who are your heroes (in design, in life, or in both)? Hans Wegner in design, and Michael Jordan in life.

What skill would you most like to learn? I would love to learn to play the piano.

What is your most treasured possession? I think my most treasured possession is not tangible, but the knowledge within me. My studies at Sheridan College made me who I am today. I deeply appreciate the Sheridan Craft and Design furniture program which amplified my talent and made me stronger.

What's your earliest memory of an encounter with design? When I was six years old, I began studying Chinese paintings and calligraphy. That is my earliest memory, because those encounters got me thinking about layout as design.

What contemporary design trend do you despise?  Projects using poured resin or live edges

Are you left-handed or right-handed? Right

Rank the following: (1) Function, (2) Form, and (3) Fun 

Choose one: Less is More, Just Enough Is Enough, or More is More? Less is More

Finish this statement: All design should...properly researched, have carefully considered form that serves its functions, and aesthetically balanced.

I sketch with a…pencil.

I work best with…silence.

I do my best work...in the afternoon.

My studio is...a study in head-clearing minimalism

Instagram is...a promotional tool.

Choose one: Bauhaus, Memphis, or Brutalist? Bauhaus

If you had to pick a favorite material, what would it be? Wood

Choose one: Past, Present, or Future? Present

What’s in your dream house? A happy family and furniture of my own designs.

You can follow Wang on his website or on Instagram. 

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