I've had wood blocks on the brain lately as I've been designing jewelry displays for retail and sales purposes for my business. The moment I laid eyes on the gorgeous ombre painted wood pieces by Judith Seng, they were permanently burned into my brain. Now, I'm not only trying to figure out how to incorporate similar ideas into my jewelry displays, but I want them, in all sizes, around my home!
Judith Seng, an artist and teacher out of Berlin, created Trift in 2009. Exploring
"the ideal of perfect, high-gloss surfaces by creating and destroying them within the same object," Seng has transformed found logs into sculptural elements that sing with brushed color. When I first saw them on Masika Wa, one of my favorite sources for visual stimulation, my brain went into overdrive.
The blocks vary in size, and seemed, at first, to be no larger than a breadbox. I instantly began trying to figure out how I might DIY (let's say it: copy!) them (in with reverence and respect, of course) and implement them into my decor. I have plenty of objects that simply decorate. To have something that is also useful has been my goal when adding anything new to my home.
I immediately envisioned them on my desktop, as bookends, paperweights (although I then laughed, as I've never once used a paperweight!) and pedestals for small potted plants. Then, I discovered a few more images of her works, where it was clear that Seng also created them in much larger scale!
Hello stool! Good day, ottoman! I can now envision a use for this kind of a beautiful object as a plant stand, a set of stools for inside or out or new end tables for the bed! Now, don't get me wrong. These sculptural pieces are works of art. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the artistic process, and don't think that everything has to have function to make it worthwhile. I am constantly, however, inspired by works of art and love incorporate something beautiful into my home that also serves a function!
How would you work these into your home?
Images: 1, 2. Judith Seng 3. Masika Wa 4. Core77 5. $H!T Happens in Berlin
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I want to like it. I really really do. But no matter what angle I look at it, or even if I shut my eyes then OPEN then reeaal fast....it still looks like wood on the side of the road that someone tested some spraypaint on :(
My first thought was, "Hmm, perfect for a cat scratcher!" I've been looking for a more modern scratching post for my little destructo-kitty, because everything out there looks like it was made in 1983. Also, a fun way to compliment my new couch!
These are pretty! I'm not sure where I would use blocks like that, but... it would awesome looking done horizontally on some wall-mounted wood shelves!
instead of making them BE something (i believe i saw jewlery holder...?) or DO something, just let them BE ..... ART!!!
I've had these in my head for a while too. I love them. But again, it's hard to think of a use other than a little tale...
I think they'd be great for TV Tray-like tables and stools. Something for people to put their food or butt on while gathered around the television. I like 'em!
@Jing - Yes yes yes!
I wouldn't; completely useless--eye candy only, and only meh at that.
I love this! Raw wood and pure, saturated color are two of my favorite elements and these are combined wonderfully in this art. I like the idea of using it as a set of stools or a side table for a sofa. You could do this on a different shape of wood and hang it as art too. I have some mini pallets that I'm eying right now after reading this... But how do you do it yourself? Would love instructions!
So did you attempt recreating them?