Form and Shadow with furniture by Paul Henry at PHES Gallery

by Patricia Frischer

Paul Henry

Sometimes I think that Paul Henry is one of the best kept secrets in San Diego, but then I realize how famous he is for his amazing furniture designs since he has been here so long and knows everybody who knows anybody. The wide breath of knowledge extends beyond the history and skill of woodcraft. He listens to people, to their stories and concerns. The opening of PHES  (Paul Henry and Ellen Speert) Gallery gives him ample opportunity to expand those conversations.

And I truly believe those conversation exist between his furniture pieces, maybe not during that day but after 7pm when no one is around. I can see Paris, 1755 speaking down to Baltimore, 1810 and Vienna,1814 confiding to New York,1825. You see, many of his pieces are titled to reflect the originals of their inspiration. Henry delights in drawers and you can imagine those flapping well into the night. Not that they would have any complaints about their construction. It is impeccable, even when amazingly complicated.

In this show you also get a chance to see a collaboration between Paul Henry and his wife Ellen Speert. The cabinets doors, decorated with fret work from an old guitar, open to reveal a lovely little cloud painting on the background panel. Henry has been collecting bits and pieces of veneers and old parts of instruments and antique furniture, even rare wood and he upcycles those into modern works that cry out to their histories.

The Form and Shadow part of the show really references the black, white and shades of grey works that are on the walls of PHES.  Lisa Croner’s works is  subtle and seems to shimmer with silver hues. Lisa Archilla photographs have that look of a gelatin silver print*. They are printed on metal, but none of the metal shows through. Instead, I think, it is just the contrast of the dark and light that give these beautifully mounted works their exception quality. Rin Colabucci gives us starker images but they are still delightfully playful.

 *gelatin silver prints are black-and-white photographs made using a light-sensitive emulsion of silver salts and gelatin.

Paul Henry (detail)

 

Paul Henry

Paul Henry

Paul Henry with cloudscape by Ellen Speert 

Paul Henry

Lisa Croner

Lisa Croner

Lisa Archilla

Lisa Archilla

Lisa Archilla

Rin Colabucci

Rin Colabucci

Form and Shadow
PHES Gallery
Until March 9, 2025
PLEASE NOTE: The Gallery will be closed February 13 through 23 for Spring Break.
2633 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008 
paul@paulhenryfurniture.com (760) 696-3022
Thursday – Saturday
2 p.m.-7 p.m. and by appointment