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objects of design: victor klassen’s wooden masterpieces

When I interview designers for the articles that I write, I noticed that most, if not all, have difficulty in answering one particular question, “What is your design philosophy?” While I learned in school that it is important for a designer to have a design philosophy, it is surprising that many in the industry either do not have one, or are confused to its significance in their profession.

Simply put, a design philosophy would be the set of beliefs and ideologies that a designer values, and sets him or her apart from his colleagues. Ideally, it should be consistent in one’s work. Canadian artist Victor Klassen is an example of a designer whose design philosophy shaped and defined him and his body of work.

As a young designer myself, I find Victor Klassen and his designs to be very inspiring. He is a good example of how passion and an honest design philosophy result into notable works of art. He believes that he is “a servant of wood, attempting to translate its beauty and truth.” His wood pieces, ranging from one-of-a-kind doors, to sensual modern furniture pieces, and biomorphic accessories, are beautiful, poetic, intriguing and unpredictable all at the same time. In fact, his works somehow reminds me of Spanish art nouveau artist Antonio Gaudi, who, I later found out, was a key influence in Victor’s craft.

What makes Victor stand out is his commitment to his material—wood. He gives a new meaning to the idea of “designing with nature”. Unlike most of us, he treats wood with utmost respect, recognizing the spirit that is invested in it. “Trees had been here for over one hundred and fifty million years. They are the parents of life on Earth. They deserve our respect and that’s a good reason to revere,” he shares in his website. His attitude towards wood is apparent in his designs that are organic in form, looking like living entities themselves. At one point his works were even described as “a celebration of women through wood” probably because his designs feature graceful movements, warmth, raw emotions, and natural beauty. The artist’s profound design philosophy and passion for his craft translate into his design, turning ordinary objects inside the home into sculptural works of art that celebrates the inherent beauty of wood.

Apart from his design philosophy, it is his unique way of working with wood, usually with red cedar, that produces the organic and sculptural forms of his doors and furniture. Instead of cutting straight into the wood, he follows the direction of the grains and works on the material accordingly. Forming, sanding, and finishing every project are done carefully by skilled hands. Because he treats wood with utmost respect, waste does not exist in his work. Wood that was left over from a finished piece is used creatively in other projects.

To learn more about Victor Klassen as an artist, read his profile HERE, and check his collection of wood doors and modern furniture in his website.