The Éasca dining chair is a handcrafted, ergonomic chair that allows good sitting posture and gives comfortable support to both arms and back. The name translates as free flowing chair in reference to the organic line and sensuous transition between legs, backrest, and seat. As part of the Éasca collection, the aim is to invite an intuitive response from people. As they interact with the work, conversation is created in that space.
A little more about the product and the Designer
The Éasca dining chair, a remarkable creation by Esker Design, stands as a testament to the art of handcrafted, ergonomic furniture. Designed to promote a good sitting posture while offering comfortable support to both arms and back, this chair embodies the essence of thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship. The name “Éasca” translates to “free-flowing chair,” a nod to the organic lines and seamless transitions between the legs, backrest, and seat. As part of the Éasca collection, this piece aims to evoke an intuitive response, fostering conversation and engagement as people interact with it.
The Designer: John Farrell
In an exclusive interview, John Farrell, the creative force behind Esker Design, shared insights into his creative process and personal journey as a designer. John, an Irish designer and furniture maker, discovered his passion for woodworking in school. The joy of using hand tools to carve and shape wood, revealing its beautiful grain and colors, felt magical to him. After completing an apprenticeship in cabinetry and wood machinery, he pursued further studies at GMIT Letterfrack, where he earned a BSc degree in furniture design and manufacture. In 2020, John established Esker Design in a studio workshop just outside Tullamore, a small town in the heart of Ireland. His mission was to create unique, functional pieces that spark conversation in the spaces they inhabit. Working independently from his studio, he collaborates closely with clients to bring their unique visions to life. His studio focuses on speculative pieces and commissioned works made to order.
Working Methods and Motivations
John predominantly works with hardwoods like Ash and Oak, often using wind-felled native woods. His approach blends the precision of machinery with the finesse of hand tools. Planers and saws enable precise joinery, while grinders, chisels, and spokeshaves help achieve perfect transitions between components. His ongoing motivation is to create pieces that appear light and fragile yet are structurally strong.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the biggest challenges John faced was the considerable cost of setting up a professional furniture craft business. To avoid the pressure of a bank loan, he took on various jobs and gradually invested in quality machinery that would last. This careful and deliberate approach helped him build a sustainable and successful practice.
Advice for Aspiring Designers
John encourages those starting out in design and sculpture not to fear seeking opinions on their work. Constructive feedback can highlight overlooked details and foster growth. He advises learning not to take opinions personally, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to learn and improve.
The Inspiration Behind the Éasca Dining Chair
John’s inspiration for the Éasca dining chair dates back to when he was 14 or 15 years old and saw a picture of Wendell Castle’s Zephyr chair in his local library. The chair’s beautiful organic shape and flow sparked his interest and planted the seed for the Éasca chair. Although the form and shape had been in his mind for years, realizing the final product took numerous prototypes and a lot of hard work. The process involved figuring out shapes and precision joinery before carving away material to leave only what was essential.
For more about Esker Design and the Éasca dining chair, stay tuned to ChairTag, where we explore the journeys and creations of innovative designers from around the world.
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