watch: Making the Güembé Chair

The Güembé chair was named after a Bomba rhythm originating from Ponce, Puerto Rico. Güembé is a joyful sound, full of power, poise, and playfulness, and is traditionally associated with courtship, romance and flirtatious gestures. I have always admired that my ancestors were able to express these joyful sounds despite the horrific conditions of colonialism and slavery. While I would never compare my life to their pain, the hope in these chairs is what led me through a difficult time in my life full of loss and challenges, and I can't help but feel a similar energy and pride in creating light and beauty out of darkness. In each hand-carved gouge and curve I have poured love, and hope, and honor for those who came before us, and the full intention that you will experience these feelings when you enter the room, or use it to pen a letter or talk to a friend, or simply close your eyes and run your fingers along the textured seat edge.