Brent Comber, a B.C.-based artist known for his sculptures and designs in wood, is the recipient of Western Living magazine’s ‘Furniture Designer of the Year’ Award for 2013. Perhaps not coincidentally, this announcement overlaps his recently launched new dining table series, the Aperture and Robusta, at IDSwest in Vancouver earlier this month.
The Robusta, built as heirloom tables, is reminiscent of another era and captures the essence of the old world with clean modern lines. The Aperture table was designed to allow natural light to pass through the metal base. Throughout the day, the light in a room changes, bringing a depth and intricacy to the table as it experiences the different stages of light and shadow.
“Wood has the capacity to tell stories in its own rich and expressive way. A dining room table is built from wood that holds the unique experiences of a tree, yet it also has the potential to store new memories,” says Comber. “From the late night snacks, to the after school study sessions; to the holiday feasts and family gatherings, a dining table holds the heart of a household.”
After the recent release of Comber’s latest sculpture ‘Pale Shadows’ at VanDusen Botanical Garden’s ‘Touch Wood’ art exhibit in June, the fourth-generation North Vancouver native was also honored with a ‘Public Art Award of Excellence’ for his work ‘Fallen Tree – New Beginnings’ at North Vancouver’s City Hall. In addition, Comber designed the sculpture ‘Nightswimming’ for SFU’s UniverCity Childcare Centre in April, and his work will be featured at ‘Art Toronto’ from October 25 to 28 and at ‘CONTEXT Art Miami’ December 3 to 8 with the Jennifer Kostuik Gallery.