The Log Chop Bench is deliberately uncanny as it represents an exploration in process-based design. Made by The Practice of Everyday Design this bench is inspired by an abstract idea, that of the long-standing tradition of logger sports.
David Long  and Antoine Morris, the designers wanted to give shape to this long- bench without prior strict calculations. They also wanted to give ‘life’ to the piece by hiring a professional Lumberjill who was called to shave off the bark and hack out the three spots where the seats would be inserted.

They didn’t ask the Lumberjill to strike at the log with the axe with precision but instinctively. The final product is a blend of a conceptual design and physical strength. On the one hand, the bench acquires its spontaneous shape due to the axing by the Lumberjill but, on the other hand, its hands-on brutal look has been polished by the fine hand-sewn upholstery of the motorcycle saddle maker.   The fact that little instructions have been given to the Lumberjill further intensifies the spontaneity of the final chopping. The bench juxtaposes the defined and strict geometric sitting area with the more off chance and gesture-inspired sculpting of what started out as a simple natural form.

The Log Chop Bench will be up for auction at Mercer Union's 2011 Stellar Living Contemporary Art & Design Auction on May 12th, 2011. 
Preview exhibition: May 3 - 12th, 2011.  Mercer Union is an artist-run centre dedicated to the existence of contemporary art. It provides a forum for the production and exhibition of Canadian and international conceptually and aesthetically engaging art and related cultural practices.