Jérôme Garzon is a designer living in Paris. Recently he just completed his design degree and everything is going well. At some point, student life must come to an end for everyone…
But why in the world did Jérôme Garzon use a material for his final thesis project that designers generally consider a precarious indication of a backwards arts and crafts approach? Why did he choose FELT, of all things? Even if he had to commit himself to a single material, why didn’t he settle on modern lightweight construction panels, carbon fiber rods or light-conducting mesh? Doesn’t Garzon know that felt is something one can only forgive in the projects of a beginning student or an elementary school teacher?
Particularly surprising is the fact that he was trained at a special academy for FURNITURE designers. What can he do with felt there? Key chains and tablemats are not on the program...
But Jérôme Garzon worked very hard. It seemed almost as if he was aware of the “felt-trap” and wanted to make sure he avoided its dangers by providing not one but three clear examples of the material’s innovative potential.
His thesis presentation includes several objects he designed. Although it would be temptingly easy to dismiss them as “stale”, not a single work comes close to something out-of-date.
With almost a certain disappointment, one has to admit: This is new furniture that also uses the advantages of the material in a really practical and intelligent (and even humorous) way. A reading chair functions more like a reading corner with a warming back wall made up of pockets for one’s favorite books—complete with all the acoustic advantages that benefit a user.
Box-like wall containers offer similar advantages but primarily appeal with their sympathetic, slightly amorphous forms and their adaptable, open-and-closed options.
The real gem in his series is the “Pouf charentaise.” A foot-warmer with pop appeal and a clear form: Insert feet and wait!
It is hard to imagine the amount of wool that the objects contain, but no sheep sacrificed its hair in vain: It works. After only a brief period of time it turns summer—at least for the feet.
How comforting! These unfamiliar felt experiences: cheerful, modern and untainted by anthroposophical notions. So there is nothing we can do but thank Jérôme for his interest in this “risky” material.
As we recently learned, Jérôme has thankfully not turned to raising sheep. Instead, mid 2007 he will open a design office in Paris together with Fred Sionis. We wish them our best and are looking forward to seeing what comes next!
Contact:
Jérôme Garzon
50, rue Orfila
75020 Paris
