Elliptic Designs makes custom light sculptures that are eye catching and functional. We concentrate on creating an organic shape while paying attention to the visual balance in every piece.

The Maker and Their Production Space
Elliptic Design bent wood sculptures are made locally with love and attention. Jenny Wong-Stanley is the artist and designer that brings to “life” each piece in her West Oakland Studio.

The Making Process
Each piece is made individually and therefore no piece of art will look exactly the same. It is part of the uniqueness of the process. I try to include every aspect of the wood including knots and “imperfections” usually seen in natural wood but not in manufactured furniture. The wood is milled, goes through two to three soaks, and is then steam bent, kilned and finished. A new soak is formalized for the different species of wood, as they are all very different in structure. It usually takes four to seven days for the whole process.

The Production Model
Due to the intense work that goes into each piece, I am only able to produce a limited amount of inventory. Therefore, small batch and custom/bespoke pieces make the most sense. They are all essentially one-of-a-kind pieces even if they may be part of the same pattern or style.

The Materials
I use sustainable wood that would normally be blighted or discarded, as they cannot be used for commercial building materials. I gravitate towards soft wood as they grow more quickly and can be replenished. It is a more sustainable wood overall. Hardwood can take hundreds of years to grow. When I use hardwood, I tend to get felled wood (that has fallen from natural disasters) from the Midwest and east coast. My favorite softwoods are cypress and juniper.