We were recently invited to include the Block Chair in an exhibit, 'This is Not a Chair', at the Lewis Museum in Claremont, CA. Claremont is our town and has been home to a wide range of artists including Sam Maloof, Karl Benjamin, Millard Sheets and so many more. We've lived in Los Angeles, Detroit and now this quaint LA suburb and have found this place to be a lovely melting pot of creatives and design enthusiasts.
We often get emails from students, aspiring artists and furniture makers who want to learn how we're doing it and how to make a living in the business of art. I think one of the things we've long neglected to mention is the importance of community because, frankly, we've been going it alone for quite some time. Finding community is hard. It can be elusive and can take time but it's important. Our friends are in many fields, but for the most part, not in the arts and the struggle of an artist is so unique. There's really no blueprint beyone your own experience, wits and creativity - all of which have a tendency to lead you down many different paths, sometimes all at once. And of those paths, many do not lead to a sense of groundedness (or profitability).
All of this to say, whatever path you walk, it's nice to know other people who share your experience, in our case working artists, because the perspective is unique. To be able to talk shop, ideate and, sometimes, commiserate with someone who understands your joys and your struggles is so important for the health of your mind and your business.
Being part of this exhibit has put us into the fold. We are proud to be part of a community that not only embraces its design roots but also, lucky for us, welcomes new designers to contribute to its rich artistic heritage.
Inanimate Objects and the Feeling of Home
Adam and I joined some friends at their home for dinner the other night and when we walked through the door, we were both struck by the hominess of their place - a well-designed, thoughtfully-curated space with beautiful furniture and objects that were both eclectic and personal. I've been struck by this before and you know it when you feel it - an immediate warmth and sense of 'home' within a space - a sense of place, firmly rooted.
Nearly Nomadic
As a family, we've moved around a lot in the past ten years. Four houses and two states, to be exact. The lure of family (living on opposite coasts), adventure and that too-good-to-pass-up fixer-upper have all contributed to our nearly nomadic lifestyle. We've spent time in hotels and furnished rentals, waiting for our new home(s) to be inhabitant-ready, always anticipating the arrival of that big truck with all of our belongings to arrive. It's always striking to see a space transform from someone else's home, to an empty space, to a sea of boxes and, in time, to something uniquely your own. As furniture makers, this idea that the objects in your life, the things that follow you from house to house, ultimately lending to that feeling of place, is fascinating.
Letting Go
Of course, these very same things that make us feel at home can also be burdensome. The minimalists in us cringe at the amount of stuff that follows us around and we've often wondered, is all of this really necessary? Am I really packing up this thing...again? And so we've naturally paired down with each and every move - an equally painful and liberating exercise in distilling and letting go.
So Many Boxes
We've done this the hard way. Moving several times to figure out what should stay or go is not something we'd recommend. Adam and I met in our late 20's/early 30's and we both came to the relationship with our own fully furnished apartments. We had some boxes to stuff to contend with and it took some time and a few moves to pare down. What was worth keeping? Just the stuff you love enough to haul around with you, pack and unpack several times throughout your life. Nothing more, nothing less.
Animism and the Energy of Home
Maybe that essence that we feel when we walk into a space that feels 'homey' is the sense of a place well-appreciated by the people who live there. The absence of burden and the ease that comes with the luxury of being surrounded by things that make you feel happy, comfortable and inspired. We also believe there's an energy to the space and objects themselves. Enter the idea of animism: the belief that objects possess a distinct spiritual essence. We believe this to be true - we feel a soulfulness in the furniture that we make. We think it comes from the tree itself and the many hands that touch it as it transforms into something altogether unique. Perhaps home is also the energy and vibration of a space and the things in it, living and not, that make up this very interesting and difficult to define concoction.
Why We Do This
For me, the things that evoke the most warmth are objects that are handmade of natural materials. As furniture makers, it's humbling to know that the pieces we design and build ultimately become part of the warmth and energy of our clients' homes. One of the reasons we're so drawn to making furniture is the idea that handmade pieces help people attain the beautifully complicated and somewhat elusive thing that we all seek - the feeling of home.
Harmony at Home: The Credenza's Role in the Resurgence of Music
In a world increasingly dominated by digital screens and streaming services, the soul-soothing allure of analog music is making a resounding comeback. The credenza, often overlooked in the contemporary household, is emerging as a critical player in this resurgence. While it may seem like a mere piece of furniture, the credenza has evolved into an indispensable part of the modern home's musical ecosystem, offering a space for the cherished record player stand, turntable stand, vinyl record storage, record player cabinet, or stereo cabinet. This revival of the credenza's significance underscores the enduring importance of music in our homes.
To appreciate the role of the credenza in this musical renaissance, one must first understand the profound influence of music on the human psyche. Music, a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, possesses a unique power to evoke emotions, shape memories, and connect people on a deeply personal level. Whether it's the comforting melodies of a vinyl record spinning on a turntable or the soothing tunes emanating from a stereo cabinet, music has the remarkable ability to transform a house into a home.
In a world characterized by fast-paced living, the home is our sanctuary, a place where we seek refuge from the constant barrage of information and stress. The credenza, with its multifunctional design, provides the ideal platform for nurturing this sanctuary. It serves as a haven for not just our cherished vinyl records but also as a space for reflection, relaxation, and appreciation of the art of music.
The vinyl revival is at the heart of the resurgence of the credenza. Audiophiles and music enthusiasts have rediscovered the warmth and authenticity of vinyl records, rejecting the sterile and compressed audio of digital formats. As a result, the need for an appropriate record player stand, turntable stand, or vinyl record storage has become increasingly important. The credenza, with its elegant design and ample storage space, seamlessly integrates these elements into our living spaces.
Consider, for a moment, the pleasure of carefully selecting a vinyl record from a well-organized record cabinet, gently placing it on the turntable, and delicately dropping the needle. The rich, analog sound that fills the room is an experience that transcends mere auditory stimulation. It transports us to a bygone era, reminding us of the importance of slowing down and savoring the moment in a world often defined by its frenetic pace.
Furthermore, the credenza serves as a symbolic bridge between generations. As we share our vinyl collections and the stories behind them, we pass down the art of music appreciation to younger family members. The tangible nature of vinyl records encourages a tactile engagement with music that is often absent in the digital age. This intergenerational connection fosters an appreciation for music that is both timeless and profound.
Beyond its role as a practical storage solution, the credenza also acts as a canvas for personal expression. Just as we carefully curate our vinyl collections, we can also select credenzas that reflect our unique tastes and styles. From sleek modern designs to vintage classics, the credenza allows us to showcase our individuality and create a visual and auditory centerpiece in our homes.
In a world obsessed with constant connectivity, the credenza encourages moments of solitude and introspection. The act of flipping through vinyl records or adjusting the settings on a stereo cabinet demands our full attention. This intentional engagement with music provides a welcome respite from the digital noise that surrounds us, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves and our surroundings.
Moreover, the credenza's resurgence has sparked a renaissance in craftsmanship and design. Artisans and furniture makers are once again embracing the challenge of creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing pieces that complement our love for music. The careful selection of materials, attention to detail, and craftsmanship that goes into crafting a credenza is a testament to the enduring value of music in our lives.
As we contemplate the importance of music in the home and the central role played by the credenza, it becomes clear that this is more than just a trend. It is a cultural shift, a reawakening of our appreciation for the tangible and the tactile in a world increasingly dominated by the intangible and the virtual.
So, what does the resurgence of the credenza tell us about the human condition? It suggests that amidst the ceaseless march of progress and technology, we yearn for the simplicity and authenticity of the past. We seek solace in the analog, the tangible, and the enduring. We crave the emotional depth and connection that music brings to our lives, and we find it in the comforting presence of a credenza that houses our beloved vinyl records and stereo equipment.
In conclusion, the importance of music in the home cannot be overstated. It enriches our lives, fosters connection between generations, and provides a sanctuary from the chaos of the modern world. The credenza, with its role as a record player stand, turntable stand, vinyl record storage, record player cabinet, or stereo cabinet, has become a symbol of this musical resurgence. It serves as a tangible reminder of the enduring power of music to shape our experiences and define our sense of home.
So, next time you admire the credenza in your living room, take a moment to appreciate its role in the revival of music in our homes. It's not just a piece of furniture; it's a testament to the enduring importance of music in our lives, a reminder that in the digital age, the analog heartbeat of music still resonates, and it has found a home in our hearts and our homes, thanks to the humble credenza.
Slowing Down In a World of Fast Furniture
by Vanessa Friedman
If you know us, you know that our furniture is made by hand in LA and Detroit. The process is intricate and takes time - and that's by design. When we make a piece of furniture it's one-of-a-kind, and inspired by the functional needs of our clients. It's how our pieces come to be. There's nothing overly mechanized about our process - every piece is bespoke and made by the hands of our talented team of craftspeople - right down to the handmade logo and hand-stamped serial number.
Formed Through Time
Our name, Geology Studio, is inspired by our collection - each piece thoughtfully developing and evolving. We believe the value of an object reveals itself over time, shaping your home while also being shaped by the piece itself. A credenza may be purchased to house vinyl and through generations may serve other types of media and books, depending on the space and the unique needs of the user. A good chair will live in many rooms and be used for everything from a meal to a nap. A good piece of furniture is soulful, giving, and equal parts practical and comforting - and through its patina, becomes more beautiful, more soulful, and more valued for the many lives it's lived.
Custom finish Open 45 Credenza in white oak.
The Open 45 Credenza was designed with the audiophile in mind; the record collector seeking a greater ease of use with their vinyl. The modular design allows clients the flexibility to tailor their pieces to their unique setups. We make each piece to order so our clients can select everything from the wood to the finish, to the shelving arrangements and accessories. We design and build the piece, but our clients make it their own. It's been interesting talking to audiophiles across the world who each have their specific setup which shapes their listening experience. The way someone chooses to live with and display their collection is highly personal, there's no one-size-fits-all. Though, in addition to vinyl, we've seen this piece used by a bibliophile who wants a proud place to display their books. In addition to vinyl and books, we like to display our favorite flea market finds, mixing the new with the old and the odd conversation piece.
Custom finished Wall of Sound in white oak
Our first Wall of Sound was inspired by a long-time client who came to us with the need to house a motherload of vinyl. She already had an Open 45 and needed more storage - something larger and fortified to hold the weight of her collection. The outcome was a highly functional piece for the serious collector. A place of pride to display and easily access their music - a personalized landscape for the ultimate listening laboratory. As with the Open 45, the Wall of Sound can be used to proudly display any serious collection.
The Block Furniture - Patina Offers Hints of a Chair Well-Loved
This Armed Block Chair (made circa 2012) sits in our living room.
Adam, our Designer, worked in a furniture showroom in his early 20s. He would see clients come in frustrated that their upholstered pieces just weren't holding up and was struck by the desire to marry the comfort of an upholstered piece with the durability of wood. A few years and several prototypes later, he'd engineered the first Block Chair. Inspired by clients and by the authentic beauty that comes from pure function.
There is nothing 'fast' about the Block Furniture - the time and detail that goes into each chair or bench is not for the faint of heart. It doesn't get more handmade, with ~500 individually cut and sanded blocks made to feel like a soft cushion. After all of the hours of work that go into a Block Chair or Bench, you get a really special piece of handmade furniture that blurs the line between art and function, and yet, what people come to love is how wonderfully comfortable it is. And there’s no better way to slow down in a busy world than to sit down in a comfortable chair and just be. The Block furniture has been used in so many different settings from commercial lobbies to cozy living rooms, kitchens, and everything in between. Wood furniture with the comfort of a cushioned upholstered piece develops such a wonderful patina over time. The subtle indentation on the seat gently hints at the softness beneath the blocks and tells the story of a chair well-loved.
Worth the Wait
Function-forward, handmade furniture will stand the test of time. We often joke that we hope our pieces will be argued over by our clients' grandkids the world over. But the truth is, furniture that's made well will last and so building something with high functionality and classic design will live many lifetimes. In the end, it's a shared legacy between us and our clients - one that we're proud of.