In Portfolio Center's infamous Design History class students are asked to design a chair based on a deeply personal, life-changing story. My younger brother, Tucker, was born with Muscular Dystrophy and passed away at age 18. Although we experienced difficulty, helplessness and outright heartbreak, my family persevered and formed a transcendant bond. The bamboo legs of my chair have an endlessly flowing, organic form that represents my family—still complete though we are not all physically present. The gunmetal slats that cut forcefully into the bamboo to make up the seat are cold, uncomfortable and symbolic of my brother's disease. This contrast is fundamental; neither part can stand on its own. This chair is my family's story as told through wood and metal. We are stronger for having navigated a great loss and we are proud to have shared in Tucker’s life.

Published: October 16, 2014