More about Garry Knox Bennett
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Garry Knox Bennett (1934-2022)
Ever the consummate craftsman, Bennett reveled in the exploration and design of everyday objects, unpretentiously elevating them from the arena of routine utility to the realm of art and high craft. Notable early on for contributions to metal plating as well as the use of unexpected combinations of materials, Bennett's unconventional perspective and drive has profoundly influenced American furniture making. So much so, he is referenced in popular culture, in a season seven episode of Parks and Recreation, as one of only two celebrities recognized by lead character Ron Swanson. Pop culture aside, Bennett's long career includes major exhibitions at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City, and Oakland Museum, traveling exhibition, Garry Knox Bennett: Call Me Chairmaker, which toured Bellvue Arts Museum, Racine Art Museum, Delaware art Museum, Fuller Craft Museum and American University-Katzen Center, and an extensive exhibition history dating back to 1960. Works are included in museum collections including the Museum of Arts and Design, de young Museum, Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Montreal Museum of Art, Oakland Museum of California, Ravine Art Museum, Renwick Gallery and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Works in this exhibition feature materials ranging from the commonplace, accessible and manmade, Nevamar, Corian and Color Core, to exotic woods, fine metal plating, silver, gold, nickel, and natural elements such as sea anemone spines. One of a kind glass or ceramic details may be incorporated, or more pedestrian elements like a tuna can or a stick. Key to the work is the intention that these objects are useful and pleasurable in their function. A fine attention to balance and proportion is notable throughout as are the many playful moments of lighthearted humor. While Bennett produced some editioned lamps, and most often produced work in series as he developed forms and style, the pieces in Lamps and Other Useful Items are unique works, each an expression of Bennett's aesthetic and presence. |
Clock “On Deer Isle” (#372), wood, brass, glass, paint, sea anemone spines, 23 kt gold-plating, lamp parts, 21 ¾ h x 16 ½ w x 8 ¼ d. Hand written message inside the hand painted back door along with an early Squirkenworks peace sign.
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