‎This “Leiras” chair was designed and produced by contemporary Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora and is in line with the artist’s environmental creed.

This model reflects Tótora’s closeness to nature from its shape to its materials and name, for as ‘leiras’ means windrow, which is a row of cut hay or small grain crop in Portuguese. The welcoming seat is evidently inspired by the fields of windrows, and just like the fields each Leiras chair has a unique pattern and shape. The body is supported by the stylish steel frame, which adds a modern touch. This chair’s aesthetic can be best described as “environmental modernism” a notion that is central to Tótora’s works.

Sustainability is a crucial part of Tótora’s works, which is the reason behind the materials of this unique chair. The chair is handcrafted with great attention to detail and quality. Conception and execution go hand in hand in Tótora’s works, which is reflected in the Leiras chair’s rustic finish. It recalls cultivated lands and hills cut by rivers.

The steel legs give a nice contrast to the natural materials of the seat. The horizontal lines of the Leiras create a sense of tranquility, while the overlapping seat evokes a feeling of simple abundance. The sculptural seat is shaped to accommodate the human body, keeping functionality at the core of the design.

‎

‎

‎

SOLD

‎

‎

‎

Condition:

New.

Dimensions:

38.19 in W x 33.47 in D x 32.68 in H

97 cm W x 85 cm D x 83 cm H

Literature:

Domingos Tótora - Maria Sonia Madureira de Pinho, Brazil 2013, unpaginated.

About the designer:

Domingos Tótora (1960-) is a contemporary Brazilian designer whose work falls between art and design. Born and raised in the mountainous region of Maria da Fé, nature is an essential part of Tótora’s aesthetic. Being true to nature means that imperfections are a welcome part of Tótora’s designs, embracing asymmetry and unevenness in the spirit of wabi-sabi.

Following his studies in Sao Paulo, Tótora found inspiration on the streets in the form of discarded cardboards. He created a process in which cardboard can be recycled by breaking it down to small pieces, transforming it to cellulose plaster. With the addition of water, glue and natural pigments, the cardboard can be shaped into new forms. Through this sustainable process, waste cardboards are turned into a wood-like material. Tótora and his small team believe sustainability happens through actions and not words.

His studio, Domingos Totora Estúdio de Artes Design, was founded in 2005 in his hometown, Maria da Fé. The beauty of his work manifests itself in its philosophy of creation and respect for the environment. The production process of Tótora’s designs is 100% manual and the cardboard he uses is fully recycled. Domingos Tótora is a true mixture of artist, designer, and craftsman. In recent years, the originality and elegance of his creations have been recognized in several exhibitions. ~H.