Naoki©
Wood
*ongoing
Tortinha 01. Plywood wood (recycled)
Tortinha 02. Maple wood (recycled)
Sketches
The first two versions of “Tortinha” were the first chairs I ever made. By playing with the positioning of the feet, the chairs look irregular. Because of its asymmetry, the two feet that rise and support the backrest point in different directions and the screws seem to have been placed in random positions.
Overall, the chairs are cute, but very uncomfortable and poorly made. In order to improve my woodworking skills, I continued to study and experiment. It was then that I came across traditional Japanese Joinery. I was fascinated by the use of wood as the unique element to build not only in furniture but also in entire houses and temples. From that point on, my aim was to find viable ways of applying these techniques in the context of the contemporary Western world.
Joinery studies
Watari Ago. Ash
After many experiments and failures, exploring different techniques, tools and materials, I felt that, although I was far from completing a joinery properly, I had developed a lot. I became more sensitive to the properties of wood. If before I didn't understand how special a piece of furniture made by a master carpenter is, now I worshipped it.
Juji-mechigai-tsugi. Maple
Watari Ago (interpretation). Cherry
Experiments with table saw. Plywood
I'm currently prototyping with 3d models and modular furniture systems. I'm exploring connections made by continuous slits, which allow a lot of freedom when creating new pieces and facilitate large-scale production. The idea is to develop an accessible and sustainable system that empower users to easily create their own furniture.
From these first prototypes, the next step is to experiment on a full scale. I've already talked to some experts and I think the idea is feasible. I'm looking forward to what lies ahead.