Kinesis Chair and Ottoman

David Moser's latest design, the Kinesis Chair and Ottoman, was named after the Greek word for motion. The pairing is evidence that it is possible for potential and kinetic energy to inhabit the same space: the carved lounge pieces distill everything we've learned about wood, ergonomics, and sculpture into an extraordinary work of art.

The signature arms of the Kinesis Chair are milled from three matched pieces of solid wood. The edges are polished until they pour in a seemingly continuous curve that echoes throughout the entire frame and base of this remarkable piece. A compound, complex curve anchors the frame and the cupped seat, a shape repeated again in the ottoman. In a celebration of complementary materials, a star-shaped bronze base-cast at a local foundry-provides solid enduring support and grounds the momentum of the piece. Wrapped leather or suede cloth upholstery further accentuates the curvilinear design. Taken as a whole, the Kinesis Chair and Ottoman combine three basic materials that have enriched mankind's evolution from the dawn of civilization: wood, leather, and bronze. The chair and ottoman are available in cherry or walnut and the base is polished to a rich bronze patina.

Please view our YouTube video titled "The Making of the Kinesis Chair, with David Moser" for a behind-the-scenes look at what went into the creation of our first foray into working with mixed mediums: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xPJR0k4xNQ

As Tom Moser's fourth, and youngest son, David Moser's role within the family company has taken a circuitous route into furniture design - somewhat like his father. As the head of new product development, David works closely with his father to develop and design furniture to meet the company's demanding standards, and to expand its product line.
In 1988, following college, David joined the Peace Corps. After living in a small Kenyan village for a year and a half, David came home to Maine heavily influenced by his experience in Africa. His tour with the Peace Corps was cut short by heavy violence in the small village to which he was posted. "Facing a very real and persistent threat of personal danger causes you to pretty quickly evaluate what in your life is important," said David. He returned home with a broader sense of global environmental pressures, as well as a greater understanding of the significance of his family's business in his life. "I grew up surrounded by furniture of permanence and beauty," said David. "I think that I unconsciously absorbed the design aesthetic of my father at a very early age." Beginning in 1990, David managed the opening of all of the company's retail showrooms including San Francisco, New York and Freeport, Maine. He also oversaw the development and opening of showrooms (now closed) in Philadelphia and Alexandria, Va., and worked as on-site manager at all but the Maine and Virginia stores. In 1994, David was named marketing director, and for three years oversaw the company's growth in both residential and academic sales.
"I feel like I am connected to our customers in an intimate way. After nearly ten years of listening to them, and working with them I feel that I can accurately predict a customer's reaction to the aesthetics and function of our work," David explained. He said that this background has helped him shift into design with relative confidence in understanding the type of furniture Thos. Moser customers want. "Our furniture is a permanent fixture that should transcend design trends," he said. "It should be pleasing to look at, without overtly attracting attention to itself."
Still influenced by his time in Africa, David is a member of the Game Rangers Association of Africa, and founded the African Anti-Poaching Foundation, in support of ongoing wildlife management efforts in Africa. He is a dedicated photographer, and formerly held a pilot's license. He and his wife, Pam Hurley Moser, own and operate Hurley Travel Service in Portland, Maine and live in Harpswell with their daughter, Sabina.