The Miranda Chair began as a prototype conceived of and hand carved by Matthew Sellens of SylvanRay. Based in Bend, Oregon, Matthew's designs are often inspired by the natural forms found in the surrounding landscape. The basic concept underlying the chair's design was to create a backrest held by a single spine with sculptural lines evoking the shapes carved by wind and water.
The Miranda Chair
Materials
Wood And Finish
The Miranda series is currently offered in white oak, black walnut, or ash in either bone or black. These hardwoods are sustainably harvested primarily from Midwestern and Northeastern United States. Our rigorous selection standards mean only the highest quality stock is used.
We use hand-rubbed finishes that best showcase the distinctive qualities of each of the hardwoods. As every piece is made to order using a natural material there may be some slight variation in the color and grain of the wood.
Designer
SylvanRay designer, Matthew Sellens, grew up in the wilds of New Zealand’s South Island. After studying industrial design and engineering, Matthew's connection to nature deepened though work as a river guide, outdoor photographer and boat builder.
This time outside shaped Matthew's visual imagination, and he shares R.W. Emerson's view of organic design, 'the line of beauty is the result of perfect economy". Matthew uses the least material possible to marry lightness with structural integrity. After sketching, Matthew carves his designs in softer woods like yellow cedar and basswood. He works through an iterative process until the final prototype is ready for digital fabrication and fine hand-finishing at Munson.
Sylvan means ‘abounding in trees, or wooded’. SylvanRay alludes to a clearing in the woods where shafts of sunlight conjure an ethereal room. Matthew's designs for SylvanRay bring the sculptural elements of nature indoors.
