All manner of chairs
- Jeremy makes wooden chairs and tables that spark positive emotions
- He is passionate about responsible sourcing of his timber
- He is part of an Australian tradition championing handcrafted furniture
Taking his time in the workshop, every piece of furniture made by Jeremy Lee is a labour of love and dedication to his craft. Jeremy studied industrial design, which introduced him to the processes and philosophies that continue to inform his work today. After his apprenticeship as a furniture maker, he explored a slow, conscious methodology working with the grain of locally sourced timbers. He started his solo practice in 2014. "I work according to what I call the ‘design triangle’. First, I examine the construction of a chair, ensuring structural integrity and durability. Then, I focus on ergonomics: a chair must be comfortable to fulfil its functional element. And finally, I attend to the aesthetics to craft a beautiful, timeless piece of furniture," he explains.
Interview
- What do you love most about working with timber?
- It is honest. You can only work with the wood, not against it. The grain has its own direction, and you need to learn to follow it. It forces patience because rushing a job only leads to defects down the road. My craft teaches discipline and each process needs to be appreciated and respected.
- Was there an influential object that launched your journey?
- The first collection I worked on started as a handful of sketches when I was studying. My skills and confidence grew, and I became determined to create a small body of work under JDLee Furniture. The collection was based on the circular design philosophy I still work with today.
- Do you have thoughts on the next generation coming into woodworking?
- There is a deep yearning in me to do what I do. I make chairs because I have to! I have seen this same vocation in other makers, and I regularly have people reaching out to me desperately wanting to learn my craft. The craft might be dwindling, but I do not believe it will ever die.
- What does 'well made' mean to you?
- I make furniture that ignites an emotional reaction. It is this element that adds value to an object and likely to encourage someone to care for and cherish a piece of furniture for years to come, beyond the construction, aesthetics and ergonomics.
Jeremy Lee is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2014
Works
Where
Jeremy Lee
