George Nakashima: Wood, Spirit, and the Art of Listening

George Nakashima: Wood, Spirit, and the Art of Listening

George Nakashima often described himself as a “Druid,” a reflection of his belief that trees are living beings with spirit, and that wood is a material to be honored rather than controlled. He spoke of “listening” to the wood—allowing its grain, knots, and natural irregularities to shape the final form.

For Nakashima, furniture-making transcended craftsmanship; it became a ritual, a profound act of communion with nature, grounded in a moral and spiritual responsibility to respect the life of the tree.

Today, his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. It is held in major museum collections, including the Smithsonian Institution, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, LACMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Arts and Design, and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Artist David Orr brings a distinctly personal perspective to Nakashima’s legacy. Raised near the Nakashima compound, he knew the family, attended school with George Nakashima’s grandchildren, and often visited the Nakashima offices where his mother worked during the 1970s and 1980s.

Join David as he shares the remarkable story of George Nakashima’s journey, reflects on how George’s spiritual side found voice in his woodworking, and shares how aspects of Nakashima’s practice informed his own art.

David Orr is a California-based visual artist whose work is exhibited and collected internationally. He has presented his work at institutions including Cal State LA, Chapman University, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Death Salon, Dublintellectual (Ireland), the Directors Guild of America, the Mütter Museum, The New School/Parsons School of Design, Reed College, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, UCLA, and The Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles—where he established the contemporary arts program, served as curator, and founded the Hansell Gallery. He is a member of The Long Now Foundation.

http://www.david-orr.com

Philosophy of Design Series

This April and May, we celebrate the transformative power of design with a series of events examining the work of influential architects, artists, and designers. We'll explore how their unique philosophies and principles are reflected in their creations—works that not only shaped the way we view the world and experience space but open up new possibilities for ways of living.

Ticket price: $12 (in-person & online event)

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed within exhibited works are solely those of their creators and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Screenings are intended for educational and entertainment purposes.

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.

REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds for PRS events , except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test. Ticket exchanges may be granted on a case by case basis, pending circumstances.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.

PARKING

Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in both the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east) and back lot (entry from first alley way, off Griffith Park Blvd. from intersection with Los Feliz Blvd.), as well as street parking on Griffith Park Blvd. and (after 7 PM) on Los Feliz Blvd. We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking.

PRS EVENT POLICIES

• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
• Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
• We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Philosophical Research Society, 3910 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States

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