X_x_X (pronounced “X by X”), the debut solo exhibition of Ford Bostwick, was recently on view at design gallery B.Y.B STUDIO. Four chairs, each crafted with a singular material and at the same scale, are included in the collection. The title is a nod to the square cross-section of materials, ranging from 1×1-inch sticks to 4×4-inch beams, that all of the chairs have in common. Regularly working across architecture, engineering, and furniture design, it’s here, in the dimensions, that Bostwick’s decision making truly shines.
4 x 4 chair, 2023, pine, 18 x 19.5 x 32 in 45.5 x 49.5 x 81 cm \\\ Photo: Ford Bostwick
“Rather than a typical line where a family of furniture shares a material or visual logic, X_x_X takes one parameter and explores it across scale and material in chairs,” Bostwick shared. “I’ll expand the series to incorporate larger and smaller parts, different materials, and other types of furniture over time.”
4 x 4 chair, 2023, pine, 18 x 19.5 x 32 in 45.5 x 49.5 x 81 cm \\\ Photo: Ford Bostwick
The designer’s background influences how digital and analog fabrication techniques are used in his furniture pieces. The construction process is streamlined to prioritize simplicity, with aesthetics naturally emerging during the design process. Bostwick’s design philosophy is centered on creating chairs that are robust, comfortable, and portable. His restraint in construction highlights each piece’s material and allows it to work seamlessly with other furniture styles.
4 x 4 chair, 2023, pine, 18 x 19.5 x 32 in 45.5 x 49.5 x 81 cm \\\ Photo: Ford Bostwick
“Physical materials are embedded with rich cultural and symbolic meaning, so I try not to overwork them. Trees are directly tied to human evolution, both physically and culturally, and aluminum has a complex and dramatic origin story. The ways humans extract, process, and reshape materials into everything we know is so interesting to me,” he explained.
2 x 2 chair, 2023, oak, 18 x 20.5 x 32 in 45.5 x 52 x 81 cm \\\ Photo: Ford Bostwick
Homage is paid to the fashion boutiques located in B.Y.B STUDIO’s neighborhood via the installation of sitting-height mirrors that allowed visitors to actively engage with the chairs. Those who were able to stop by in person also had the opportunity to explore Bostwick’s creative world through a six-hour video that unfolds in real-time in his workshop.
2 x 2 chair, 2023, oak, 18 x 20.5 x 32 in 45.5 x 52 x 81 cm \\\ Photo: Ford Bostwick
2 x 2 chair, 2023, oak, 18 x 20.5 x 32 in 45.5 x 52 x 81 cm \\\ Photo: Ford Bostwick
1 x 1 chair, 2023, pine, 21.5 x 22.5 x 32 in 54.5 x 57 x 81 cm \\\ Photo: Ford Bostwick
1 x 1 chair, 2023, pine, 21.5 x 22.5 x 32 in 54.5 x 57 x 81 cm \\\ Photo: Ford Bostwick
1 x 1 chair, 2023, pine, 21.5 x 22.5 x 32 in 54.5 x 57 x 81 cm \\\ Photo: Ford Bostwick
1 x 1 chair, 2023. aluminum, 23 x 20 x 30.5 in 58.5 x 51 x 77.5 cm \\\ Photo: Ford Bostwick
1 x 1 chair, 2023. aluminum, 23 x 20 x 30.5 in 58.5 x 51 x 77.5 cm \\\ Photo: Ford Bostwick
1 x 1 chair, 2023. aluminum, 23 x 20 x 30.5 in 58.5 x 51 x 77.5 cm \\\ Photo: Ford Bostwick
To learn more about the X_x_X exhibit, visit bybstudionyc.com.
