Frank Lloyd Wright (commonly known as FLW) is regarded by the American Institute of Architects as the "greatest architect of all time." He achieved this cultural significance for a compelling reason: he transformed our approach to architecture and how we inhabit spaces. I find great inspiration in his remarkable buildings and the stunning stained glass designs that prominently feature on this chair.

CHAIR FRONT: Photo of FLW at work. He had a deep appreciation for Japanese art, which he not only collected but also sold. His floor plans and ornamental elements, such as leaded glass windows--as seen here, imbue his work with a refined Japanese aesthetic.

CHAIR BACK: In the foreground, a few of FLW's significant projects: The Guggenheim Museum, Beth Sholom Synagogue, Fallingwater (Kaufmann House), Taliesin West. 

Shortly after the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum opened in 1959, my parents took me to an exhibit there. The museum is known for its unique spiral design which challenged conventional architectural norms. The design was perhaps inspired by nature, specifically the nautilus shell. It remains unparalleled to this day. 

In 1954, the Beth Sholom Synagogue opened in my neighborhood outside Philadelphia. Its design features translucent corrugated wire glass that reaches skyward, resembling a luminous Mount Sinai. The entire building glows at night due to its interior lighting; during the day sunlight creates a joyful atmosphere inside. 

I also journeyed to Fallingwater, one of FLW’s most iconic creations. The house appears to float above a waterfall in western Pennsylvania and embodies his belief in "organic architecture," where structures harmoniously integrate with their surroundings.

I have yet to visit Taliesin West which served as his winter residence and studio. The structure features desert masonry, a blend of local stones and concrete. Throughout the interiors, one can find triangles, hexagons and natural motifs, further emphasizing the connection to nature.

The background is a window from a carriage house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Buffalo, NY.

CHAIR SEAT: The stained glass for an Illinois estate, designed by Wright in 1907, stands in stark contrast to his early designs inspired by nature. The windows are characterized by their purely geometric composition and vibrant, primary colors. Wright himself referred to it as a "kinder-symphony."

Frank Lloyd Wright will always be a lasting influence on my art.