Garry Knox Bennett

Garry Knox Bennett (October 8, 1934 – January 28, 2022) was an American woodworker, furniture maker, metalworker and artist from Alameda, California, who was known for his whimsical, inventive and unconventional uses of materials and designs in his work. His workshop and studio was in Oakland, California. His work often combined traditional woodworking techniques with industrial materials, challenging conventional notions of craftsmanship and design.

Early life and education

Born in Alameda, California, Bennett pursued studies in painting and sculpture at the California College of Arts and Crafts (now California College of the Arts) in Oakland from 1959 to 1962. His early artistic endeavors laid the foundation for a career that would blur the lines between fine art and functional design.

Career

Garry and his wife, Sylvia built a home in Lincoln, California on a rice farm owned by Garry's ex-stepfather. He dried rice, and had tester that he used to hull rice to eat, but polished off all the vitamin B, and got beri-beri. They returned to the Bay Area after five years.

In 1965, Bennett established ''Squirkenworks'', a successful jewelry and metal-plating business, creating items like roach clips, roach clip jewelry from brass brazing rod, and peace symbols that gained popularity during the 1960s counterculture movement. When drug paraphernalia was outlawed in 1974 ( "War on Drugs"), ''Squirkenworks'' ceased manufacturing. His experience with metalwork eventually led him to explore larger-scale creations, incorporating wood into his designs and transitioning into furniture making.

Notable works

One of Bennett’s most famous pieces is the “Nail Cabinet” (1979), a finely crafted padauk cabinet into which he drove a large nail, challenging the preciousness often associated with fine woodworking. This provocative act sparked debate within the craft community and exemplified his irreverent approach to art and design.

Throughout his career, Bennett continued to create furniture that combined traditional craftsmanship with unexpected materials, including aluminum, glass, and plastic laminates. His work often featured bold colors and playful forms, reflecting his belief that design should be both functional and visually engaging.

Exhibitions and recognition

Bennett’s work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, including the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City, which hosted a retrospective titled “Made in Oakland: The Furniture of Garry Knox Bennett” in 2001.  His pieces are part of permanent collections at institutions such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

He received several prestigious awards recognizing his significant contributions to the fields of woodworking, furniture design, and the American studio craft movement.

Award of Distinction – The Furniture Society (2004)

In 2004, Bennett was honored with the Award of Distinction by The Furniture Society. This award acknowledges individuals who have made profound impacts on the field of studio furniture. Bennett’s innovative approach, which often challenged traditional craftsmanship norms, was exemplified by his 1979 “Nail Cabinet”—a finely crafted padauk cabinet into which he drove a large nail, making a statement against the preciousness often associated with fine woodworking .

Fellow of the American Craft Council

Bennett was named a Fellow of the American Craft Council, a distinction awarded to artists who have demonstrated outstanding ability and have made significant contributions to the field of craft in America .

Master of the Medium Award – James Renwick Alliance (2011)

In 2011, Bennett received the Master of the Medium Award from the James Renwick Alliance. This award honors artists who have achieved excellence in their medium and have made significant contributions to the field of American craft .

Legacy

Garry Knox Bennett’s innovative approach to furniture design has left a lasting impact on the studio craft movement. By challenging traditional notions of craftsmanship and embracing a wide range of materials, he expanded the boundaries of functional art. His work continues to inspire artists and designers to explore the intersection of form, function, and artistic expression.

In popular culture

In a season 7 episode of the NBC show '' Parks and Recreation''—the third, "William Henry Harrison"—Bennett is listed by main character Ron Swanson as one of only two celebrities that he recognizes. (The other being Magnus, a local bull elk.)

Bibliography

* ''Made in Oakland: The Furniture of Garry Knox Bennett'', American Craft Museum, New York, 2001; (catalogue for retrospective exhibition, curated by Ursula Ilse-Neuman)

References

External links

Garry Knox Bennett Furniture
- Bennett's website

An interview with Garry Knox BennettPDF
conducted 2002 February 1-2, by Glenn Adamson, for the Archives of American Art

Remembering Garry Knox Bennett
Woodworking Network

episode including Garry Knox Bennett
''Craft In America'', pbs.org

Works
Made in Oakland: The Furniture of Garry Knox Bennett
- Oakland Museum of California

Garry Knox Bennett
- the artist and pieces at Smithsonian American Art Museum

1934 births
2022 deaths
American furniture designers
American sculptors
American woodworkers
California College of the Arts alumni
American furniture makers
Fellows of the American Craft Council
People from Alameda, California

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