SAMSON WANG：INTERPRET ONE’S INNER PASSION THROUGH HANDCRAFTING WOOD

Seeking inspiration in the grain and texture of the wood, pouring one’s heart and soul into each saw cut and carving, Samson Wang, a former aircraft structural maintenance technician who has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming a woodworking artisan. At the recent “Echoes of the Woods” sustainable American hardwood contemporary design exhibition, his creations of the “Elf” deck chair and “Magnolia” side table, along with nine other artists’ works, collectively performed a hymn about nature, life and design.

Mentioning the exhibition theme, Samson expressed: “Echo symbolizes the dynamic and lasting connection between humans and nature, emphasizing the impact of our actions on the natural environment and nature’s response to us”. In his creations, he pays tribute to and reinterprets the revolutionary impact of the Memphis style on the field of furniture design, imbuing the works with a deeper echo.

A “Long-planned” Cross-industry Transformation

Samson’s design journey began with a re-examination of his years working as an aircraft maintenance technician, as well as a deep-rooted desire for design and creation. He recalled, “The high-intensity mundane tasks at the maintenance plant and the health threats in the work environment gradually made me think about changing tracks and starting a new career to find my true passion.”

A campus tour became the turning point of his fate. During the tour, Samson was instantly captivated by furniture craftsmanship and design. He was deeply moved by the fusion of creativity, hands-on ability, and the integration of design and aesthetics. An inner voice told him this was the profession he desired. To this day, Samson still feels that fate has favored and chosen him, leading him to embark on this path of expressing himself through design and craftsmanship, exploring the realm of art.

When asked why he confidently chose to work with wood when he first made the career transition, he explained: “Relying on the abundant forest resources in North America, my studies and training in Canada were primarily focused on wood, so I have a more systematic and in-depth understanding of the texture, grain, and color of different wood materials.” Samson also specifically mentioned his grandfather, a traditional woodworker who carved time with his own hands. Having been exposed to this from a young age, he may have formed an unbreakable bond with wood since then.

The confluence of auspicious timing, favorable geographical conditions, and human relationships, whether it was the destined career transition, the abundant forest resources in the region where he studied, or the influence of his family’s traditional woodworking craft, the perfect merging of these factors forged an inseparable bond between Samson and wood. This also led him to immediately choose wood as his primary medium for design, to interpret his innermost passion.

Embracing Nature, Allowing More People to Experience the Unique Allure of Wood

As a master with nearly a decade of experience in the woodworking industry, Samson has his own unique insights when it comes to selecting raw materials. He particularly loves and cherishes the natural grains and textures inherent in the wood. “I especially love the unique snowflake-like grains of American red oak. The surprise that nature bestows upon it is unparalleled by other wood types. The snowflake grains can take on a shimmering, luminous quality depending on the cutting conditions, adding a distinctive flair to the pieces. This is the primary reason I chose to use American red oak for my latest works.” He explained. 

Samson is also in awe of the texture and hardness of American red oak. In contrast to the smooth, warm feel of red oak, it has a distinctly hard texture and feel. This stark contrast between the external and internal qualities not only imbues the pieces with a rich sense of depth, but also enhances their durability and artistic expression, allowing each piece to withstand the test of time.

“As domestic designers gain a deeper understanding of materials, and people’s pursuit of natural beauty and environmental awareness increase, wood will become more popular in the domestic market.” Samson said: “American hardwoods have distinct advantages in terms of color, texture, and the diversity of species. Moreover, wood plays a positive role in green environmental protection and sustainable development. I believe that in the future, more designers, architects, and artists will apply American hardwoods, nature’s wonderful gift, to their works, better showcasing the performance and artistic potential of wood.”

The Perfect Fusion of Memphis Design and Eastern Culture

When appreciating Samson’s past works, one can easily discern the traces of Eastern elements within them. The “Elf” deck chair and “Magnolia” side table, which have garnered much attention in this exhibition, are no exceptions. From the very beginning of the design process, Samson had his sights set on capturing the linear qualities of bamboo leaves and the flowing essence of ink wash paintings. With the aim of using a visually light and airy approach to showcase the beauty of the East.

Samson’s prolonged study and creative experiences abroad have likewise broadened his artistic horizons. In this series of works, he has incorporated bold colors and geometric shapes – red, blue, and spherical forms. This depicts the perfect fusion of Memphis design and Eastern culture. He has blended diverse international elements into his Eastern-inspired creativity, crafting design furniture that retains a traditional charm while exuding a modern sensibility and practicality.

“In terms of craftsmanship, I have employed a fusion of traditional and contemporary fine woodworking techniques to present this series of works. I have also intentionally incorporated some metallic materials to accentuate the contemporary qualities of the pieces.” He added.

In Samson’s view, wood is not merely a medium for design, but also a bridge for dialoguing with nature and the world. He relishes the process of engaging in one-on-one dialogues with the wood, carefully listening to its “echoes”. Embracing the inherent qualities of nature, he combines modern design concepts with traditional craftsmanship, imbuing the wood with a second life. 

“Wood is a living entity – its life is embodied in the cycles of the seasons it has experienced, and in the ways, it responds to changes in air temperature and humidity. Even after being harvested, the wood continues to tell its own stories. As designers, our mission is to listen to these stories, to collaborate with the inherent nature of the wood, and to transform it into design works that can move the human heart.” Samson stated.