Matthew Harding

Artist statement

Poise n 1. composure or dignity of manner 2. physical balance or assurance in movement or bearing 3. the state of being balanced or stable; equilibrium; stability 4. the position of hovering 5. to be or cause to be balanced or suspended.
Collins English Dictionary, 1979

Reminiscent of a traditional wooden tennis racquet, Poise explores the tension between strength and fragility, capturing a moment of suspension and equilibrium while playing with the presence of form. The sculptural form of Poise seeks to mimic the scaffolding of living structures, achieving strength through the unity of the whole.

Poise is constructed from ply veneers laminated over formers. It is finished with saturation coats of low viscosity epoxy that penetrate and strengthen the laminations thereby increasing the strength-toweight ratio and making the lightweight nature of this structure possible. The chair form is woven with 180 kg breaking strain monofilament (nylon), which can be tensioned to accommodate desired ergonomic subtleties.