The Imaginarium of Jens Risom

Upon walking into Ralph Pucci’s New York showroom this morning, we were pleasantly surprised with a tour of Jens Risom’s new work by the master himself ! One of the most influential furniture designers today (and personal favorite) was a gentle and sprightly man of 94 years, that provided great inspiration and passion for his work.  While walking us through the light filled showroom Mr. Risom spoke intimately about each of his new pieces, gliding his hand across the smooth dark wood and opening up each drawer to show its craftsmanship. When we asked if he had a favorite piece, he said that chairs were perhaps the most interesting design because a chair in its inception is really just two things – a seat and a back. However the scale, pitch, material, and usage can vary so much in such a simple piece. Jens not only has a clean and pure aesthetic, noted by tapered legs and a weightless quality to his work; he also deeply thinks about how is chairs will be used, who will be sitting in them…what conversations they will have. While his new collection at Pucci is displayed as art,  Mr. Risom never fails to realizes these are pieces for a home, to be used and incorporated in the lives of others – making the quality and design that much more alluring.  (Images courtesy of Ralph Pucci)