The "Votive" collection features two stools, each exuding a unique character. Dyed in a rich black, the seats are painstakingly hand-carved to achieve a comfortable curve, beckoning onlookers to take a seat. Their bases, shaped as truncated pyramidal octagons, offer a study in contrasts. One stool showcases a hand-carved, textured black finish, while its counterpart glistens with a metallic sheen. This sheen is reminiscent of a newly cast metal piece from a foundry, presenting an artful optical illusion or 'trompe l'œil'.
Scattered across the stool bases are silver-toned nails, meticulously arranged to create a harmonious balance of visual and tactile elements. Drawing inspiration from votive nail trees and the age-old tradition of embedding wooden nails into statues for support, Quentin Vuong, the designer, is particularly intrigued by the repeated gestures and amassed nails.
More than just stools, these pieces celebrate contrasts—in their finishes, textures, and materials. The metallic coating, in particular, introduces an element of surprise, urging viewers to challenge their perceptions.