The Dwell 24: Casey Johnson

Casey Johnson is a North Carolina-based designer who creates functional, form-driven wood objects in his studio, emphasizing hand-carved and built pieces. His work, initially rooted in sculpture, draws inspiration from masters like Isamu Noguchi and Constantin Brâncuși, evident in the curvilinear forms and thoughtful compositions. Johnson's primary medium is wood, a choice driven by its organic nature and inherent imperfections, which he describes as a "living and breathing material that expands and contracts and has all kinds of surprises." He views his design process as a "dance" between his clean, controlled aesthetic and the raw beauty of the wood, allowing for an artisanal approach that keeps his creations personal, even as his studio experiences growing demand. Johnson's process involves designing, making, and carving, often listening to music or podcasts while working. He finds his creative flow in moments of quiet contemplation, typically at night after his children are asleep. His work often incorporates artistic flourishes, as seen in a recently commissioned custom desk where the interplay of hand, tool, and material enlivens the object's varied surface textures. This approach is a deliberate counterpoint to mass-produced items, reminding observers of "our humanity in a world of plastic and mass production." He is currently working on a pair of sculpted Shoji-inspired doors, demonstrating his continued exploration of form and function. Johnson’s design philosophy prioritizes honesty in all design. He is more interested in designing new forms and compositions that sometimes manifest as functional objects or furniture rather than redesigning existing everyday items. His design heroes are predominantly sculptors, including Martin Puryear, JB Blunk, Henry Moore, and Barbara Hepworth, reflecting his foundational background in sculpture. In life, he credits his wife, Amy, for her unwavering support and resilience, which helps him navigate various life challenges. He expresses a desire to enhance his culinary skills, seeing a parallel between intuitively combining flavors and the flow of creating sculptures. His most valued possession is his angle grinder, a crucial tool for power carving. His earliest memory of design involves observing his mother knit blankets, noting the repetitive forms and textures created by her hands. For his dream home, Johnson envisions a self-designed house filled with sculptures and furniture made by himself and his friends. This ideal dwelling would be surrounded by nature or seamlessly integrate the outdoors, serving as a peaceful space for contemplation. Regarding the design industry's future, Johnson believes design will naturally evolve regardless of circumstances. He advocates for greater inclusivity in the design community by providing more opportunities for marginalized communities and supporting their work, acknowledging that despite progress, systemic biases based on economic status, race, and gender persist. He also wants non-designers to understand that the industry, while often perceived as glamorous, is largely built on "blood, sweat, and tears." #CaseyJohnson #WoodObjects #FurnitureDesign #Sculpture #ArtisanalCraft #NorthCarolinaDesign #HandCarved #ModernDesign #ArtistProfile #CaseyJohnson #WoodObjects #FurnitureDesign #Sculpture #ArtisanalCraft #NorthCarolinaDesign #HandCarved #ModernDesign #ArtistProfile