JUNE 16, 2017 — SEPTEMBER 2, 2017

Furniture maker Annie Evelyn approaches her work with a sense of humor and playfulness, tipping the norms of traditional furniture-making on their head. Her infectious curiosity challenges the preciousness of handmade furniture, inspiring a new way of experiencing the role of its design, comfort, and utility.

Using alternative materials to upholster her chairs, she manipulates tessellations of cement and aluminum to create comfortable, squishy seat cushions. These seemingly hard and rigid materials are so surprisingly relaxing to sit on, the experience of interacting with the work is sure to change the viewer’s first impression.

Evelyn is noteworthy among the newest generation of furniture makers to combine irreverence with meticulous craftsmanship. She continues to explore new ideas, often working on multiple projects simultaneously and sometimes collaborating with other artists. Her experimental methods present a unique approach to furniture making. Evelyn’s recipe for comfort lies within the clever construction of the upholstered seat: most of her furniture includes a layer of foam that conforms to the body. Evelyn’s solo exhibition at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft invites the visitor to experience her craftsmanship firsthand by taking a seat. As an interactive installation, Multiple Impressions inspires a sense of wonder and dares to confront conventions of domestic comfort.

Photography by Scott Cartwright