Jessie Mills
’26 Furniture Design
I set out to create The Mingling Table to be an inviting and decorative object. Originally intended to store and display knick-knacks once assembled, I found myself wanting to lean and gather around it. My first sketches were very “creature” like, in a spooky but enchanting way. While those early ideas were fun, I wanted the table to be useful in one’s day-to-day. With this in mind, the design shifted to be more sleek, ensuring the legs of the table became the focal point.
Tree branches inspire the legs to replicate movement in nature. To get the desired shape, I first carved the wood into cylinders, which were then steamed to be pliable and immediately clamped into the mold. I chose the walnut to create contrast and give it a solid feel. I hope people view this piece, imagining different ways they might use it in their lives.
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Jessie Mills is a furniture artist born and raised in Boston. Through her time at Youth Build Boston, she was introduced to a variety of trades and developed an interest in design. Now at MassArt, Jessie continues to hone her craft in furniture. She designs pieces that blend functionality and art, often drawing inspiration from nature. While primarily working in wood, she’s excited to integrate additional media such as metal and glass in her creations.
