Inspired by pure geometrical forms — circles, rectangles, squares, cylinders and spheres — John Eric Byers’s furniture is deceptively simple. A closer inspection, however, shows that behind each coffee table, bench and chair there is great care and meticulous attention to detail. It is little wonder why the woodworker is considered to be among the foremost figures of the modern American Studio movement.
Born in Rochester, New York, in 1959, Byers trained in the workshop of Wendell Castle, “the father of the art furniture movement.” The renowned American sculptor greatly influenced Byers, and the New York native found inspiration in the work of other artist-designers while in Castle’s workshop such as Donald Judd and British ceramicist Hans Coper.
Following his studies under Castle, Byers established a studio and workshop in Newfield, New York. There, he uses a variety of specialized techniques in the design of his furniture, including wood milling, lamination, hand-shaping, hand-tooling and finishing, often with casein milk paint, which is believed to have been used in ancient Egypt.
Byers’s side tables, stools, sideboards, credenzas and other pieces are sculpted by hand in his preferred material — hard, blackened maple. Each design demonstrates his keen focus on detailed surface texture and structure.
Byers’s works have not gone unnoticed over the course of his decades-long career. He has won multiple awards, such as the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award and the New York Foundation of the Arts Award. He has been included in the Smithsonian’s Oral Archives of American Arts as well.
Byers’s pieces feature in permanent collections at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Mint Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City.
Find vintage John Eric Byers tables, seating, case pieces and storage cabinets.
John Eric Byers, "Loft Bench for Three"
By John Eric Byers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elevated bench from John Eric Byers merges bold, modern geometries with traditional craft. The wood is hand-sawn and lacquered with a distinctive textured pattern to give a soph...
Maple
John Eric Byers, "Loft Bench for Two"
By John Eric Byers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elevated bench from John Eric Byers merges bold, modern geometries with traditional craft. The wood is hand-sawn and lacquered with a distinctive textured pattern to give a soph...
Maple
John Eric Byers, "Block Bench for Three"
By John Eric Byers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This monolithic piece from John Eric Byers merges bold, modern geometries with traditional craft. The wood is hand-carved and lacquered with a distinctive textured pattern to give a ...
Maple
John Eric Byers, "Square Revert", Tables or Stools
By John Eric Byers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Square Revert Stool or Tables are listed here as a set. Each design is also available for purchase separately at $8,000. This solid maple piece from John Eric Byers merges mod...
Maple
John Eric Byers, "Block", Stools
By John Eric Byers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Block Stools are listed here as a set. Each design is also available for purchase separately at $8,000. This monolithic piece from John Eric Byers...
Maple
Anza Bench by Croft House
Located in Los Angeles, CA
74"W + 20"D + 16"H ELM BURL + LEATHER HARDWAX OIL FINISH The Anza Bench draws inspiration from California’s weathered landscapes and organic textures. Its elm burl frame celebrate...
Wood
Solid Mango Wood Bench Burnt Finish Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A sculptural mango wood bench. To achieve is rich black pigment the bench was burnt three times and then finished with a clear coat. The seat was craf...
Fruitwood
John Eric Byers, "OS4V", Bench
By John Eric Byers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oro, a new series by John Eric Byers, marks the artist’s 30th solo exhibition. An elegant balance of contrasts takes form in these visually stunning works. Blocks of wood are meticul...
Gold
Rectilinear wood bench with twin cushions
Located in New York, NY
Rectilinear wood bench with twin upholstered cushions.
Wood
Sleek Modern Bench in the style of Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in North York, ON
This sleek modern bench, crafted in the style of iconic mid-century designer Paul McCobb, embodies the refined simplicity and clean lines of 1970’s American design. Its minimalist po...
Metal
