Unfolding Chair

Peter Danko made a name for himself in the 1980s with his unique and modern ply-bent chairs. These works are made from thin layers of maple, which the artist uses for its strength and durability. Each layer is molded and glued in a heat press, a process that can take up to two and a half hours. Unfolding Chair is both practical and beautiful. When closed, the chair takes up a minimal amount of room, as Danko realizes that storage space can be an issue in many modern buildings. Unfolded, however, the chair's sleek design invites enjoyment and ease, a chance to both look at and sit on the chair.

"Nobody in the world builds things the way I do . . . I can't say there's nothing traditional about what I do. But technically, it's totally innovative. I'm an industrial designer craftsman--that's the way it is." The artist, quoted in Museum & Arts Washington, 1989