There are many definitions of the word 'cabinet.'  First, there's the obvious: a box-shaped piece of fixed or moveable furniture with doors or drawers for storage.  Another explanation may refer to a room; a cabinet as a retreat with special artifacts.  A cabinet can be a government term, a casing for a speaker, a variety of screwdriver, an inlet of Antarctica; the list goes on and on.  We'd like to introduce you to a cabinet that doesn't fit any of the definitions in this list.

Elisa Strozyk of Berlin has crafted a masterpiece out of wood veneer and flexible wood textile.  We know her work from the wood carpet she amazed us with; yet again she is skillfully adapting common materials in a challenging, meticulous yet stunning finished piece of furniture.  The accordion cabinet is a collaboration between Strozyk and artist Sebastian Neeb.  It is a simple framework to start; cabinet shelving sitting upon slender wooden legs.  The beauty is seen in its complexity- the simple base is supporting a beautiful framework of flexible wooden fabric - the accordion-like lungs of the work.  This element serves as both a functional door to hide and contain the objects within and an ever-changing sculptural form.  As you open and close the accordion doors, the object evolves with you.  Such a complex form is complemented by tall slender legs; quite appropriate for the angular shape and multi-dimensional body of work they support. 

Somehow there is movement in this creation; even without the operation of opening and closing the doors.  The rhythmic series of wood textile undulating in and out, the play of shadows and the varying light and dark wood tones create a melody as the object stands alone.  It is these eye catching features that draw one into the object and spark your interest to interact with the cabinet.  Opening the doors and watching the fabric stretch and fold; the beauty of natural wood that has become something flexible, it is all an experience that keeps you intrigued and interested.  It creates a moment, as the designers had intended, that is an emotional connection.  The goal was to create this unique furniture piece with character that promotes a longer lasting relationship between the object and user.  It's as if time pauses for a brief moment as one studies this work of art- just how did they do this?  You see, at the end of the day it's just a cabinet- but not a cabinet at all.