STYLE : DESIGN : Pieces of Dreams

They share a penchant for using eclectic materials and a design sensibility shaped by highly personal visions. And now these makers of artful furniture share a cooperative called In Vivo, formed to promote their work locally and across the country. For the most part, In Vivo embodies the spirit of the furniture emerging from Southern California: undulating chairs with fringe, painted cabinets atop wiggly bronze feet, gooseneck lights made with plastic wings and horse-shaped hood ornaments. “Despite our different backgrounds, we have in common a sense of creative possibility and freedom from convention that comes from working in L.A,” says artist Tanya Hovnanian. The 12-member co-op is busy planning a catalogue, group exhibitions and a showing at New York’s prestigious International Contemporary Furniture Fair in May.