Nik Gelormino

Truthsayers

Aug 23

Written By Admin

TRUTHSAYERS

Nik Gelormino’s one-of-a-kind wooden objects possess a rare quality in art and design: sincerity. He transforms logs into playful furniture with a few simple gestures, bringing flowers, shells, and car shapes to life. However, his mate- rial choice is as important as the form. Gelormino sources naturally felled trees in Los Angeles to carve by hand, using chisels, knives, and hand planes. He primarily utilizes uncommon woods in furniture-making, such as eucalyptus and live oak. Through skillful carving and polishing, he renders the hardy material smooth as butter in a signature puffy style. Every rhythmic mark from his tools is recorded on the caramel surfaces of his sculptural stools, draw- ing attention to the waving patterns inherent to the wood grain.

He accentuates and sutures the natural cracks of the material with dovetail joinery made of contrasting wood species. The detail adds a whimsical touch, like resting butterflies on a tree stump, while remaining a genuine expression of the discipline of woodworking. Like Wharton Esherick and J.B. Blunk, famous woodworkers before him whom he admires, Gelormino is look- ing to connect humanity to nature in his practice.

B. 1986, San Francisco, CA
Lives and works in Los Angeles, CA
nikgelormino.com
@nik_gelormino