High-end décor options
for true sophisticates
By
Jeffrey Fazio
Special Sections Writer
The
modern world offers so many easy answers to home decorating choices,
that sometimes better, higher quality possibilities are not
investigated.
As
a matter of convenience, most things purchased for a home are bought
within a limited distance. However, great one-of-a-kind pieces for
homes are produced all over the country. The limitations of time and
money prevent most people from searching the ends of the earth for
that great piece of furniture that complements the decor just right.
For
those in the Philadelphia region, there is a solution. Once a year,
the Pennsylvania Convention Center hosts the Philadelphia Furniture
and Furnishings Show. This is a juried show that features 250 artists
from around the country. One weekend a year, the convention center is
filled with these artists' high-quality handmade furnishings.
The
2000 show was held May 12 though May 14 and featured artists from as
far away as Los Angeles and Canada and artists as nearby as St.
Peters, Chester County, and Royersford, Montgomery County.
With
this diversity came an overwhelming variety of styles. There was quite
literally something for everyone.
The
best of show award went to David Merrifield and Angie Bell from
Asheville, N.C. Their work consisted of steel-framed cherry cabinets
with copper handles. The use of steel allowed their pieces to get
height without looking bulky. The delicate look of their furniture
came from the clean lines of their designs and qualities of the
materials. The contrast of the colors and textures of the steel and
cherry in their furniture made the pieces very appealing.
Margaret
Forrest of Forrest Furniture in Philadelphia had pieces on display for
those with a flair for color, dynamic lines and a truly new look. Her
carefully selected color choices accentuated the highly energetic
designs that her furniture possessed. Her pieces are the answer for
anyone looking for a non-traditional home décor with a taste for the
modern.
St.
Peters artist Jeanne Petrosky of J.P. Design was exhibiting her
handmade paper sculptures in this year's show. The textures of the
paper in her work along with the watercolor types of hues she used
gave her pieces a very soft feeling. Her whimsical, childlike designs
added to the light feeling of her pieces.
In
contrast to almost everything else present, Abington artist Sam
Ostroff's large steel sculptures and furniture made their mark on this
year's show. His Southpaw Studio designs look like something out of a
medieval torture chamber with a touch of influence from the futuristic
artist H.R. Geiger, who designed most of the sets in the Alien movies.
Ostroff's work immediately confronts the viewer with his dark side.
Although his work may not appeal to mainstream America, the quality of
his craftsmanship and his adherence to his style more than justify his
acceptance in the show.
These four artists are just a sample of the variety that existed at
this year's show. They can be used as a starting point to visualize
the diversity of the other 246 artisans present at the show. For
more information on the show, check out their Web site at
www.pffshow.com.
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