Jenna Willet

Jenna Willet

Kensington, MD

Kenyon Class of ’14, Studio Art major

The 90-degree seated posture is not instinctive to humans as a primary sitting position. It works against the natural posture of the spine and it becomes uncomfortable over time but still the use of the 90-degree angle chair remains universal. The chair is a human crafted invention that has become a symbol for a sense of place and sign of comfort and rest. The connection between furniture design and the way that people interact with their environment around them allows me to explore these interactions by combining sculpture and furniture. Through the inclusion of abstract biomorphic nature shapes in my chairs I investigate the connection that people craft between their indoor and outdoor environments.

When I create shapes that are animated and organic I also make the connection between my sculptures and nature, and use these representations of growth to communicate my own feelings about my art. My chair forms are inspired by shapes that reach and branch out like trees and bend and curve like leaves. I make these chairs by layering pieces of pine together and then carving out the smooth, curved shapes.

I want my sculptures to inspire images of life and growth for my viewers. By applying a sculptural approach to the process of making chairs I draw a connection between sculpture, nature, and furniture, exploring the manmade environment people have crafted for themselves.

– Jenna Willett, ‘14