Rhys Jones

Machines for Thinking was the title of a design brief given to Rhys Jones in the early years of his studies. The project, to design and construct a chair, led him to reflect on chairs as expressions of the ‘conditions and rituals of living.’ He has now observed ‘a kind of genealogy’ emerging from the iterative chair prototypes he has created and with it, ‘patterns of thought that have embedded themselves in the design language—such as the use of de novo organic forms and weaving techniques.’ Rhys applies a multidisciplinary approach to design and collaboration. Through his work, he explores the interrelationship between theory and practice, hand and machine, and society and self.

Rhys is a designer and maker based in Marrickville. He studied wood furniture at the ANU School of Art & Design in Canberra, and a Master of Architecture at the University of Melbourne. Rhys currently works at an architecture firm, working on a range of projects, including conservation works to NSW state heritage listed buildings. He continues to explore his craft through practice-led research, commission work, and teaching fine furniture making.

Machines for Thinking, 2021
Rock maple, fibreglass, rattan cane
830 x 450 x 560 mm
Image top: Machines for Thinking, 2021. Photo: Courtesy of the Artist