Brooklyn-based designer Eric Manigian is a perennial favorite here at 3rings, and I mean that in the most literal sense of the word. That’s because every year, just like the year’s new blooms of perfumed peonies or aromatic amaryllis, Manigian re-visits the vaunted venue of Brooklyn Designs(this weekend down in Dumbo, May 7-9). And though I’m not sure the metaphor of fragrance holds up with regard to his latest work–though it might: I imagine a well-practiced craftsman like Manigian can smell a felled tree a mile off–the Eve Series Chalet Loveseat is certain to satisfy the proximal senses of touch and sight.

Chalet Loveseat from the Eve Series. Designed by Eric Manigian.

Like all of Manigian’s work, Chalet is made of salvaged timber. In this case, that means lengths of solid elm that have been planed, jointed, routed, and altogether elegantly fashioned into a 30″h x 48″w x 28″d loveseat that would be equally at home in a chalet on the slopes of Zermatt or a mod cabin tucked into Oregon’s lush Siskiyou. Manigian cites the wonderful woodwork of the Scandinavian school as a palpable influence on this particular piece: “a playful take on traditional furniture forms… borrowing from the Danish masters with additional mod lines and hand-carved back supports.”

Chalet Loveseat from the Eve Series. Designed by Eric Manigian.

Asterisk Rocker from the Eve Series. Designed by Eric Manigian.

Asterisk Rocker from the Eve Series. Designed by Eric Manigian.

Like earlier of Manigian’s work profiled on 3rings–the Purple Heart and Enso Tables–the personality of the artist is palpable with each of Chalet’s subtle undulations. And this is no mere coincidence. Manigian’s pieces are all one of kind, so every piece of wood is chosen with an eye to its individuality, though it’s probably superfluous to say so, since that’s the essence of Manigian’s work. In other words, “grain pattern and other natural features are an integral part of the creative process and the reason each piece of wood is hand-selected.” It’s also one reason that a piece like Chalet is bound to span multiple lives. Manigian consistently strives to create heirloom furnishings that will be passed down among the genrations. In fact, his mantra is “it’s not green if it ends up in the landfill.” His clients’ response to this philosophy is a great source of fulfillment for him, since it represents a burgeoning alternative to the prevailing paradigm of the throw-away culture: “I see the subtle slowing down of people when they are about to commission a work. They often consider their children or grand children when making decisions. This is quite a different perspective than we are used to and I see it having very positive effects.”

Quotations from BrooklynModern.