eco-modern art at ICFF

Columbia Forest Products introduced PLY prints at ICFF last weekend as the perfect eco-chic marriage of sustainable materials and art. The collection encompasses six classic Alexander Girard designs printed on sustainably-harvested maple plywood with soy-flour based formaldehyde-free PureBond technology. The panels certainly combine my two loves of art and sustainability. My favorite designs are “love heart”, “madonna” and “snake”. Columbia is an eco-friendly company at heart as a leader in sustainable forestry and innovator of formaldehyde-free PureBond technology. And as we know furniture made with formaldehyde is bad for you since it releases toxic and carcinogenic VOC’s that can “off-gas” long after it’s installed. I love how Alexander Girard’s iconic designs printed with water based paint look on top of the wooden texture. It’s a great combination with his mid-century inspired designs that are very graphic yet slightly whimsical. They make fun wall decorations for eco-modern homes or offices. It’s nice to see an eco-modern marriage that has its future generations in mind by leaving a legacy of green design behind. And in case you want to spread a little extra love Girard’s iconic “love” design comes in smaller panels as well that make great eco-chic wedding gifts or give-aways. The project is a collaboration between Columbia, the estate of Alexander Girard and Eric Pfeiffer of Pfeiffer Lab.