Jackson, Dakota In the 1970`s Dakota Jackson was making one of kind furniture in his studio, for exhibit in New York`s SoHo district galleries. This early work had mysterious qualities including hidden compartments and parts with unexpected movement. Born into a family of magicians and performers, Dakota continued the family craft into a third generation. He also performed as a dancer, in the early 70`s, with the Laura Dean and Tricia Brown companies. “The demands of performance taught me how to discipline myself to achieve aesthetic ends,” he says. Those aesthetic ends have earned Jackson recognition by major museums and led to commissions and collaborations beyond the walls of his furniture showrooms. In 1999 he completed work on jewelry designer David Yurman`s Madison Avenue boutique. At the Kip`s Bay Boy`s and Girl`s Club Decorator Show House he created a multitasking environment that was called “serene and serious” by House and Garden magazine. Commissions have included the design of an ark and chapel for Temple Jeremiah of Winnetka, IL. This project was executed with architect H. Gary Frank and honored with an AIA award for Religious Structures. In collaboration with another leading architect, Peter Eisenman, Dakota Jackson built a stunning showroom in the Pacific Design Center, in Los Angeles. Beyond his goals of designing and manufacturing fine furniture, Dakota Jackson has fostered a corporate culture, which is committed to the community at large. Employing people who bring skills from all over the world, his factories in Queens, New York are fertile fields for aspiring designers and craftsmen. Through seminars, speeches, internships and apprenticeships, Dakota Jackson presents his proactive case for design education and experience. |