A Melbourne artist and designer is using stainless steel to blur the lines between form and functionality.
Colin Kirkpatrick from Modifie Designs adapts geometric shapes inspired by sculpture to create works that can transform from conversation pieces to coffee tables in seconds.
Cubes and three dimensional rectangular shapes are fabricated from grade 304 stainless steel sheeting welded to a timber subframe, then attached to castors for mobility and versatility.
The custom-sized shapes can be used as either furniture or sculpture and as a single unit or separated into individual pieces.
The Modifie range also includes coffee tables with stainless steel frames contrasted by glass, marble, sandstone or bluestone tops.
As versatile as the cubes, the coffee tables can also be stacked to form shelves and storage units.
Of crucial importance to Kirkpatrick is that as well as being aesthetically pleasing, his work be functional, a criteria met through design and the use of stainless steel.
'I love the cleanliness and exclusive look of stainless," Mr Kirkpatrick said.
"The material complements perfectly the angles, smooth surfaces and form of the furniture."
Each piece is designed and fabricated by Kirkpatrick in his Highett workshop using primarily grade 304 stainless steel, TlG welded top and bottom and polished with a No. 4 finish.
Kirkpatrick's work is available from a number of furniture stores in Sydney and Melbourne, including Orsson & Blake in Sydney, Blend Furniture in Collingwood, Urban Attitude in St Kilda, Crowded House Design in Malvern, Cochrane & Galloway in Hawthorn and Outhouse in Fitzroy.
He plans to extend the range to include multi-fundional, adaptable entertainment units and storage units, all made from stainless steel.
"In my opinion, not many other materials have the exclusivity of appearance and style that stainless steel has," Mr Kirkpatrick said.
Stainless steel used for the furniture is supplied by ASSDA member Dalsteel Stainless.
This article featured in Australian Stainless magazine - Issue 16, August 2000.
