Michael Coffey, Master Wood Sculptor, 96

NEW YORK CITY — Maison Gerard regrets to announce the sad news that Michael Coffey, master sculptor of wood forms, has passed away at the age of 96. Over his 60-year career, he consistently broke the boundaries of style and functionality in the decorative arts.

Born and raised in New York City, Coffey initially served as a social worker before pursuing art seriously in 1972. He taught himself theory and practice, and took inspiration from icons like Wendell Castle, Walker Reed, George Nakashima, Sam Maloof and others.

In 1978, Coffey first presented his Aphrodite rocking chair, a monumental, curved wood form that excited the market and launched his reputation for creativity and skill on a grand scale.

That piece, like all of his work, stresses the relationship shared by people with their furniture. Coffey considered himself an artist but drew a distinction between impersonal visual arts and furnishings. It was important for him that his creations be used.

For Coffey, defying expectations has been an important aspect of producing work. Eschewing symmetry in his designs, he preferred to carve hollows and rounded shapes which people can fill. To Coffey’s eye, pieces with perfect symmetry were overly “quiet” — he felt they did nothing to arouse questions or feelings in the mind of the viewer.

Michael Coffey’s works are in museum and private collections worldwide, and his legacy in the annals of American studio craft furniture is well established. Ever thoughtful and prudent, he made preparations so that his designs could continue to be produced by his studio team with uncompromised craftsmanship and care. We will remember him for his kindness, sensitivity, wry humor, skill with words and love of life. Our sympathies are with his family and studio team.