Thursday, January 29, 2009

Orange22 - Artists Making a Difference

By Patrick Mahoney

Over the past centuries, we have evolved from the mere existence of primitive hunters and laborers into a society of technical savvy humans. Each new generation looks back at the last to proclaim an excellence in the forward moving progress of the given day. Unfortunately, our once fertile forests are turning barren and our oil surplus that makes the awesome plastics of today, now out paces the gasoline usage in vehicles. A new society is needed and some members of the contemporary furniture field have found a way to start the battle.

An eight year young company based in Los Angeles started out as a mass producer of limited-edition furniture but had the foresight to realize that we are living in a world of waste. This prompted Orange22 to think about introducing a new form of unique furnishings, stamped with the mark of international artists and designers and benefiting the world at the same time. Protecting our natural resources and helping mankind is what Blank Canvas Project is all about.

Populated by dedicated designers, Orange22's staff has accepted the challenge of striking the perfect balance between form and function in the furniture world. As though the intrigue of creating green styles to far exceed traditional furnishings, this company has yet another goal in mind " tackling problems on a larger scale like cancer, AIDS, and the deterioration of the environment.

The Botanist Blank Canvas Project was created by Dario Antonioni, Founder and Creative Director of Orange22, and has taken the furniture industry by storm. Starting with a basic curved bench made of industrial-grade aluminum and enamels, designers of the professional art world are stamping their personal mark of design, using only a remarkable type of water jet technology. Sharing profits from sales to charities and social causes makes this program beneficial to all.

One of the most popular pieces, a design by Antonioni and Brandon Lynne, is the Botanical Floral Bench that merges the outdoors and the inside with its floral stencil lain to one side. Powder coated in a variety of colors, this piece can adorn a hallway, living space or patio interchangeably. Both environmentally friendly and lightweight, this example of the Blank Canvas Project is perfect for any setting.

What manufacturing technologies can we leverage that create less impact or what type of new material can we use-or old material-so that we're benefiting the environment in the best way is a question that Orange22 designers constantly ask themselves. A commitment to this line of thought plus a dedication to individual charities is what drives this company's team to continue creating change to contemporary furniture now and in the future. - 15634

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