Daniel Mack American Furniture Designer, Invites Us to Slowdown

Reflections in Wood

Daniel Mack (b. 1947) is a New York-based furniture designer based in Rochester and Warwick. Daniel Mack creates fine custom furniture, architectural detail, and decoration from wood as close to its natural form and texture, frequently incorporating glass, metal, or stone. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States and is included in many private collections. Mack’s designs are known for their unique blend of organic and modern elements.

Biography

He went on to work in radio and television journalism, as well as teaching. He worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in the 1970s, was an interviewer on New York’s WRVR radio station, and produced documentaries for NBC’s Today program. He began making twig furniture in 1979 and eventually played a significant role in reviving nineteenth-century rustic furniture. Though his chairs are composed of natural and found forms, their rectilinearity and high backs recall the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

He authored Making Rustic Furniture (1991) and taught media studies at The New School for Social Research and furniture making at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts in Lake Placid, New York, from 1986 to 1990.

Style

Mack’s approach to furniture design is unique in that he sees each piece as a reflection of the natural world and the human experience. His use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, creates a sense of harmony between the furniture and its surroundings. The rustic style that he employs is not simply a trend but rather a philosophy that dates back to the American Romantics. Mack believes that by bringing elements of nature into our homes, we can create a sense of peace and tranquillity often lacking in modern society.

His pieces are not just functional objects but also works of art that bear witness to our lives. Each scratch or mark on the surface tells a story, reminding us of our experiences and connecting us to the natural world. Mack’s work is an invitation to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us while also acknowledging our place within it.

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL

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