Turning unloved furniture into a work of art

Visiting American artist Michele Marti has brought her playful furniture designs to the ANU School of Art where she is working on her experimental “Franken-Furniture” series.

The Californian upholsterer and designer salvages Victorian-style furniture frames and combines them in new designs that force users into unusual positions.

“I try and force people to sit in a certain direction so that there’s an interaction between the bodies,” Ms Marti said.

“I have been single for about six years now. It’s that yearning for some sort of relationship or casual interaction with another person.

“I feel like when you’re in my furniture, it’s forced, but it feels natural.”

Ms Marti sources old and vintage pieces from antique stores, flea markets and tips. She is attracted to the intimate detailing and sumptuous designs of Victorian pieces

“They have so much character,” she said. They feel like they are actually people to me.”

After letting them sit in her studio for a while she strips them back, reassembles the frames and re-upholsters them.

Ms Marti travelled to Australia in February under the advice of ANU School of Art alumni Donald Fortescue who mentored her while studying at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco.  She said sourcing old furniture has been a challenge in Australia but she was enjoying combining travel with her salvaging expeditions.

“Over the break I went to the Blue Mountains, Sydney, Braidwood, the South Coast… On that trip I only found one piece of furniture, but it was definitely worth it.”

She is currently working on a dual-level dining chair combination, a settee and chair piece, and a family portrait-style ensemble of chairs and stools.

Ms Marti will hold an exhibition of her latest work in the School of Art foyer gallery from 3-8 of June. She will also be presenting a public lecture as part of the lunchtime Art Forum series at 1pm on Thursday 16 May in the School of Art Lecture Theatre.

She is asking for furniture donations and anyone with any unused old furniture can contact the School of Art for more details.