“Ed Potokar: SOUNDWALL”, a remarkable new exhibition melding sculpture, audio architecture, and handmade musical instruments, opens in the PROJECTS space on January 10th. Featuring a stunning range of Potokar’s handmade instruments, sound sculptures and sonic objects– the collection represents a mind-bending display of master craftsmanship and visionary artistry. The opening night reception, from 6-9pm, will be a dynamic evening of musical performances by well-known NYC musicians playing the exhibition pieces.
Ed is a seasoned percussionist and acclaimed industrial designer with over 20 years of expertise designing and playing unusual instruments. Beginning with his first “box,” an analog synth, he has composed for MTV, toured around the world and designed his own line of high-end microphones called Potophones. For a full bio go to http://edpotokarsoundwall.com.
This exhibition is the first collaboration between Ed Potokar and John Houshmand, whose new company, SOUNDWALL, is dedicated to the design and manifestation of sonic architecture. Targeting commissioned works in public spaces, boutique lobbies, and experiential environments, SOUNDWALL brings intense design and sonic environments into a marriage for the 21st century.
The exhibition will run from Janury 10th-February 3rd.
Come. See. Listen.
For further information, contact us by phone at 212-965-1238 or by email at info@johnhoushmand.com
We look forward to seeing you at JOHNHOUSHMAND PROJECTS!
This week on Gossip Girl manipulation and betrayal between the cast was the primary focus, but did you happen to spot one of JOHNHOUSHMAND‘s designs?
Amidst Sage’s deceit and scheming in Steven’s Upper East Side library, sits our sleek coffee table. The table featured is the physical embodiment of separate togetherness. Two book-matched wood slabs are held together (and apart) by a hidden metal insert. Similarly, the base is composed of two curved metal legs that create three quarters of an almost perfect circle. The live edge of the nanciton wood top adds a playful, yet elegant touch. The dark coloring plays off the masculine color palette of the library, providing the room an atmosphere suitable for the calculating and conniving.
Follow the table – and the plot – over the next three episodes!
The JOHNHOUSMAND family of design has grown leaps and bounds over the past couple of years. From simple roundback benches to sleek microslab low tables, we’ve run the gamut – but it hasn’t been sheer coincidence. Our Black Walnut No. 0184 desk with acrylic legs and two drawers was such a hit that it inspired a new iteration of the seamless combination of wood and acrylic… introducing the No. 0237.2 Black Walnut and acrylic dresser!
We love the effect the slices of acrylic make on the ends of the dresser, giving a light and airy touch. The clear acrylic slab contrasts with the exquisite character of the Black Walnut, and lends a touch of magic to the structure of the dresser. The special cut of the acrylic handles also adds luminosity against the dark wood. We wonder what this new piece will inspire next!
This month House Beautiful travels to the homes of Americans living abroad, one of whom is our very own John Houshmand! In this “Ideas from Around the World” issue, House Beautiful finds inspiration in France, India, Italy, Morocco, Belgium, England, the Bahamas, Kenya, and even Mexico – at Tierra Adentro, John’s breathtaking getaway near San Miguel de Allende. Mexico is a dream destination for many with its temperate climate and breathtaking sights. John knows this especially well and so he decided to build a gorgeous villa getaway. The house, known as Tierra Adentro or Inner Land, is the perfect retreat for weary city dwellers.
Tierra Adentro turned out to be the perfect resting place for JOHNHOUSHMANDfurniture – the house was born of nature, as was the furniture. John says building a retreat near San Miguel de Allende was serendipity, “I remember very distinctly the first time I went to San Miguel and walked into the plaza. Doves are flying around and the sun is going down in great golden swaths and kids are laughing and church bells are ringing and a mariachi band is playing and people are dancing and I’m thinking, ‘There’s more to life besides working your tail off,’ I burst into tears, it was so beautiful”.
From the 1,000 square foot master bathroom to the bright yellow tiles covering the kitchen, this minimalist hacienda definitely has a friendly touch.
“The whimsy, the play, the lighter moves that I make come from Mexico. A lot of my furniture pieces have an ironic twist to them, almost an inside joke.”
Want to hear more about the beauty of Mexico that inspired John? House Beautiful also provides audio clips of all of the designers speaking about their journeys and inspirations HERE.
In April we announced a new custom finish: Tattooed Acrylic and Wood. Now after months of experimentation and anticipation we are excited to present our first tattooed table: the No. 0238 acrylic side table with black legs and a cicada “graphic tattoo”.
We first unveiled this piece in May at our booth at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair(see below). With a treatment like this tattoo the possibilities really are endless! The fill color, width of line, graphic, and material are all up to the imagination. As you can see here, we decided to emblazon our very first tattooed product with one of John’s favorite creatures: the cicada. You may know this mysterious insect from the cicada song that can be heard in the summertime in heavily wooded areas. We’ve learned to embrace cicadas even though they can damage and cause scarring to tree branches. Just like a beauty mark, we see this natural marking as something to be proud of.
One of the most rewarding things in creating custom pieces is seeing where in the world they end up. It’s always interesting, and this time it’s also such an honor. Go and pick up the September issue of Garden Design Magazine and you’ll notice a familiar bench, and a familiar face! Here is renowned textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen sitting on JOHNHOUSHMAND‘s classic No. 0041 bench, which we are very proud to say is a part of Mr. Larsen’s permanent outdoor display at the LongHouse sculpture garden in the Hamptons. Pick up your own copy and check out the beautiful feature on Mr. Larsen’s public garden!
With open plan architecture gaining in popularity we decided to design something with it in mind. A console designed for open plan living – the No. 0087.9 Console Cabinet with ebonized and gray wash on Black Walnut microslab doors!
Functional, yet unobtrusive, this console’s cabinet doors open from both sides to allow easy access to things like dishware in a modern dining room setting. At only 32 inches high, this console is perfect for entertaining guests without obstructing view – especially in this spectacular Hamptons summer house. We’re thrilled that this console has added a special touch to such a beautiful space.
In July we introduced you to JOHNHOUSHMAND‘s first dresser, the No. 0237. But since one is the loneliest number we decided to create a beautiful companion piece, the No. 0237.1, a darkened Black Walnut dresser with six drawers and a light Black Walnut microslab.
We believe that balance is important in design as with anything. The fluid shape of the microslab brings a nice tenderness to the rigidity in the grid of drawers. Both polished and practical, No. 0237.1 will keep your clothes tidy and out of the way.
The world at JOHNHOUSHMAND was just made even better by the wonderful addition to our team of Shari Lebowitz. Shari has come aboard as our General Manager and the changes are already happening in terms of new systems, better organization, a pleasant facelift to the showroom, and smoother operations in our production process.
Shari has had her own interior design business for 15 years, as well as a serious stint in the world of business management. On top of that she has a great spirit and amazing demeanor. She is a true team builder, a design expert, and a savvy businesswoman.
At the top of Shari’s priorities are streamlining our processes and opening up the showroom to more visits and interaction with architects, designers, and clients. With Shari’s vision we will make the JOHNHOUSHMAND team more dynamic and capable of handling our increasing amount of work and commissions from all over the globe, both art-as-furniture as well as architectural commissions
Expect to see more great changes in the future, watch our website, and look forward to emails with exciting new visions.
Introducing a seamless fusion of form and function, the No. 0237, JOHNHOUSHMAND‘s first dresser, with ebonized oak and a bleached spalted maple microslab.
Organization is key in any home, be it a tiny New York apartment or a beautiful home in Colorado (which, coincidentally, is where this creation is headed), and so we thought we could help with an elegant storage solution. At 54 inches wide, 18 inches deep and 32 inches high and with six drawers this dresser keeps clothes organized and within easy reach. Along with these spacious drawers we fabricated custom made hardware for this stunning dresser. Cut to precision out of blackened steel, these specifically designed pull handles add elegant detail and ensure smooth gliding when drawers are in use.
With two distinct finishes and six drawers, this dresser is sure to be a welcome addition to any bedroom.
