Sculptural Wooden TOTEM #1 by Chris Lehrecke

Chris Lehrecke has been designing and making furniture since 1982. While his early pieces were influenced by a number of enduring design traditions - African, Asian, Shaker, and Scandinavian - they consistently maintained a modern sensibility. A primitive quality remains evident in all the work, but so, too, does a sense of refinement in design and material. Design and fabrication have always been allies in his work, whether in limited production, or one of a kind pieces, the physical process of making his own pieces with a small group of artisans has always been essential to Lehrecke's practice. After moving to New York's Hudson Valley in 1997 Lehrecke built a studio on his property. The facility includes both wood and metal studios, as well a large one of a kind lathe, and storage for beautiful woods. The compound, as well as the beautiful surroundings, offer continuing inspiration. Lehrecke's work has won many awards including the ICFF award for furniture in 1996, as well as the Brooklyn Museum Modernism/Young Designer award in 1997. His current studio continues to produce and design the highest quality of work with Lehrecke overseeing the daily operations.