THE NATURAL PROGRESSION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

Artist and furniture maker, Alexander King, talks to Sophie Grigson about his transition into the world of sculptural art

Life isn’t about maintaining the status quo, it’s about pushing the boundaries and staying curious. One craftsman and artist who thrives on challenging the natural order is Alexander King; with his groundbreaking work masterfully combining beauty and function.

Setting up his own company, Alexander King Studios - formerly known as Ark Cabinet Makers – he has developed his skill in crafting fine furniture and has now turned his focus to learning and adapting new techniques.

“Ark was founded in the winter of 2008,” he explains. “The vision then, was to pursue my creative passion for making furniture for both private and commercial clients. We’ve had considerable success with both, but my interests now lie more in creating and applying new state-of-the-art techniques and testing design boundaries. It’s an exciting time.”

Most of Alex’s inspiration is found in the natural world. He explains: “I love how evolution has already put in most of the hard work, creating complex shapes such as flowers, or snails’ shells, all so perfectly balanced and in proportion. The blueprints of life are all around us.”

“I like to discover the most complicated shapes and then spend time figuring out how they can be made. The process of breaking something down, to understand its complexities, and then replicate those shapes in the workshop, is what really puts the fire in my belly. “I believe through such a process, thought-provoking designs can be created. I know I’ve succeeded if I leave the viewer asking how or why something has been done. It’s the litmus test of creative success.”

Developing these skills to suit these specific requirements, Alex is working on his latest masterpiece – which incorporates multiple laminating techniques, the use of steam bending, vacuum pressing, corten rusted detailing and carbon fibre reinforcements.

“To my knowledge, an amalgum of these techniques is currently only used by one other artist globally, and he’s had great success developing it,” he says. “He’s unlocked a creative door for us all.” As to future projects, it’s all about growing as an artist and embarking on new chapters.

“Although I continue to take on commissions of all kinds, my future as a sculptural artist is finally emerging. I can’t wait to see where it will lead me.