Sean Woolsey | Costa Mesa, California (US) | By Lee Fleming

A fine artist and craftsman, Southern California based Sean Woolsey creates unique furniture, art and photography following an unorthodox creative process. Woolsey’s hand-made wooden furniture is crafted using traditional techniques and a mathematical approach, whereas his artwork is more experimental. Woolsey early inspiration can be traced back to his childhood; he grew up among a family of artists, his great grandmother was a talented landscape and oil painter and his closest inspiration, his father, a stained glass artist and film photographer.

Inside his Californian studio in Costa Mesa, you’ll note examples of Woolsey’s cross-disciplinary artworks that range from abstract copper paintings to wooden tables, items of homeware and skateboards. His craft approach is largely influenced by his appreciation for the Japanese philosophy Wabi-sabi, an aesthetic centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection to find true beauty.

Woolsey’s pieces are inspired by his travels and the photography taken on his adventures, shot entirely in film. The photograph that inspired him to create the artwork, whether an image of the colour palette, patterns or textures, accompanies each piece. But most interestingly is Woolsey’s choice of materials, his art is created on sheet metal and he uses paints, patinas and water-based acids to cause chemical reactions with the metal. Once he’s satisfied with the outcome, the metal is sealed with epoxy resin to prevent any further change and framed using black walnut. Each piece of art also bears Woolsey’s signature on a brass inlay plaque.

To find out more visit Sean Woolsey’s website or check out his online shop where his furniture and artwork is available to purchase.

Campaign Furniture by Ghurka | New York (USA)

Ghurka was founded in the early 1970s by Marley Hodgson. After visiting an antiques auction, he left with a piece of campaign gear made for a Ghurka regimental officer stationed in India during the 1900s and was inspired by the rugged elegance of the 75-year-old leather. Hodgson went on to make his first Ghurka bag - a leather knapsack for his son that is still used on a daily basis by his granddaughter. Since then Ghurka have continued to make leather bags and accessories with a commitment to traditional craftsmanship, functionality and timeless American style.

To celebrate their design heritage, Ghurka’s latest Campaign Furniture Collection pays homage to the great expeditions that crossed Asia and Africa in the early 20th century. The arresting collection consists of seven pieces, masterfully handmade in New York with solid oak, supple vegetable-tanned calfskin and brass hardware.

Available from The Ghurka website

The Living Cube | Bern (SWZ)

If your living space is on the small side, it's likely that you've tried all manner of arrangements to challenge dimensional dilemmas. However The Living Cube, created by Swiss designer Till Könneker and constructed by Remo Zimmerli provides an antidote to cramped living and limited storage.

Functional, useful and minimal, the Living Cube combines form with function and the unit boasts the capacity to hold a flatscreen television (up to 42” inches), as well as shelving units, coat hooks, a queen-sized bed and plenty of interior storage. Custom built, this handcrafted furniture for the discerning urban dweller remedies the confines of city living with a sustainable, eco-friendly construction using the finest materials and craftsmanship.

Photography by Rob Lewis.