In the world of bespoke furniture and interior design, few journeys are as compelling as that of Jason Roskey, the visionary behind Fern. Hailing from a middle-class, blue-collar background in Texas, Roskey’s early fascination with art and architecture, particularly the Louis Kahn-designed Kimbell Art Museum, set him on an unconventional path. What began as an unacknowledged creative spark, initially overshadowed by a pursuit of traditional business, blossomed into a profound passion for furniture and interiors upon his move to New York.
The Genesis of Fern: A Self-Taught Master’s Vision
Roskey’s transition from business to artistry was marked by a period of self-taught woodworking in Brooklyn, where he meticulously crafted custom pieces by hand. This dedication culminated in the founding of Fern in 2009. Today, Fern operates from a vibrant studio and workshop in Hudson, New York, a region steeped in a rich heritage of quality furniture production. Here, Roskey’s design philosophy comes to life: each item is first conceptualized by him, then brought to fruition by a team of highly skilled makers.
The studio’s offerings have expanded beyond sculptural tables and chairs to include an exquisite lighting collection. These new fixtures, featuring fiberglass and hand-laced goat parchment, are elegantly paired with bases of cast aluminum, blackened steel, and sand-cast bronze, showcasing a harmonious blend of natural textures and robust materials. This inaugural lighting collection, alongside Fern’s signature furnishings, is currently on display at “Junctions,” the debut exhibition at the Assembly Line Annex in Tribeca, a new space curated by General Assembly.
Roskey’s creative process is fluid and immediate. “I am always sketching and designing in multiple ways,” he reveals. “Often when I have a very pressing idea I will design directly on the bench, working through templates for different shapes.” This hands-on, iterative approach ensures that each piece from Fern is not just furniture, but a work of art, imbued with a unique narrative.
Five Pillars of Inspiration: A Glimpse into Roskey’s World
Beyond the workshop, Jason Roskey draws inspiration from a diverse array of experiences and objects that shape his perspective and, by extension, his designs. Here are five elements that fuel his creative spirit:
The Versatile Sprinter Van: Shop Utility Meets Wilderness Escape
In 2023, Fern’s operational needs led to the acquisition of a 2024 Sprinter Van, a practical solution for transporting furniture components and upholstery between fabrication partners. Yet, this utilitarian vehicle transcends its primary role, doubling as a fully outfitted camping rig. Complete with a bunk bed, Wi-Fi, and a lightweight canoe stored on its roof, the van embodies a blend of functionality and adventure, mirroring the adaptable nature of Roskey’s own work.
The Enduring Charm of John Porritt’s Welsh Chair
Roskey holds a deep admiration for vernacular chairs, particularly the Welsh Stick Chair—an “everyman’s Windsor” known for its simplicity and organic origins. Unlike its more ornate counterparts, these chairs are often crafted from local green woods and hedgerow materials, using only hand tools, resulting in a unique character for each piece. John Porritt, a UK native based in Spencertown, New York, is a master of this craft. His chairs, while honoring the traditional simplicity, boast modern proportions and unparalleled comfort. Roskey recounts the pleasure of visiting Porritt’s old Dutch barn workshop, discussing woodworking over tea, and cherishing a custom 8-stick Welsh chair, painted black to develop a natural patina over time. Porritt’s commitment to sourcing wood locally from the Hudson Valley further resonates with Roskey’s appreciation for authenticity and regional craftsmanship.
Solace in the Secret Catskills Creek
For Roskey, fly fishing in the Catskills offers a profound escape and a vital source of creative rejuvenation. The seemingly simple act of “waving a stick to fool a trout” provides a unique form of unwinding. The diverse rivers of the Catskills, from tranquil dry fly spots to challenging boulder-strewn streams requiring long hikes and wading, immerse him in nature. The surrounding woods, the river’s flow, geological formations, and abundant wildlife are not merely a backdrop but a direct influence on his design work, informing his understanding of form, texture, and natural balance.
The Rugged Beauty of Baja Sur
Mexico, particularly Baja Sur, holds a special place in Roskey’s heart. His college-era adventures to border towns, though now a distant memory, instilled a sense of exploration. Today, annual family trips to Baja Sur offer a reconnection with a landscape he describes as a “collision of mountains, the desert and the ocean within a close proximity.” This dramatic confluence of natural elements—rugged peaks meeting arid expanses and the vast ocean—provides a rich visual and tactile palette that undoubtedly influences his aesthetic sensibilities.
The Haunting Resonance of “Paris, Texas”
The Wim Wenders film “Paris, Texas” left an indelible mark on Roskey during his college years in West Texas. He found a profound connection with Wenders’ portrayal of American alienation, a sentiment that resonated deeply with a young man from a small town grappling with his future. The film, which subtly explores the essence of Texas without being overtly about it, coupled with Ry Cooder’s hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, remains a powerful touchstone for Roskey, speaking to themes of identity, place, and the human condition that often find their way into his art.
Through Fern, Jason Roskey doesn’t just create furniture; he crafts experiences, drawing from a wellspring of personal history, natural beauty, and profound artistic inspirations. His work stands as a testament to the power of pursuing a creative life, transforming raw materials into pieces that tell a story.
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