St. Louis-based product designer and woodworker, Collin Garrity, uses a variety of hardwoods to create a collection of products with structural integrity and character. Garrity’s woodworking career began at Warren Wilson College, where he studied the composition of furniture and musical instruments, like classical guitars. Today, he focuses his talents on creating modern lighting fixtures, jewelry, toys, furniture, spaces and mobiles out of domestic, exotic and refurbished wood.

We recently collaborated with Garrity for an Instagram takeover. Throughout the day, Garrity shared eight photos – including his favorite pieces and the work of other Midwest makers – with our Instagram audience. Named the #MyModernMidwest series, these Instagram takeovers showcase local makers and highlight the vibrant Midwestern creative community.

Following is a compilation of Garrity’s #MyModernMidwest posts to our @ModernMidwest handle:

Hello everyone, I’m taking over Modern Midwest today, so I’ll introduce myself. I’m @collingarrity and I am a St. Louis based product designer and woodworker. I make everything from lighting and furniture to classical guitars and toys. Today I’ll be sharing some of my projects with you, as well as the work of a few of my favorite Saint Louis based makers. @marshallhaas snapped this picture of me in my studio last week. #mymodernmidwest #industrialdesigner #madeinstl

A photo posted by Modern Midwest (@modernmidwest) on Feb 22, 2016 at 6:19am PST

@collingarrity here! Many of my for-the-home products are exercises in restraint. I think a clean modern look needs a collection of objects that don’t show off: that way your home doesn’t seem cluttered or busy, and you can focus the room toward the few centerpieces. I try to make simple pieces that will complement your favorite things, and not clash with them. #mymodernmidwest #liveedgebowl #woodturning #liveedge #collingarrity

A photo posted by Modern Midwest (@modernmidwest) on Feb 22, 2016 at 7:40am PST

Vases can be a tool for any style of home, since I (@collingarrity) am sharing #mymodernmidwest today, I wanted to introduce you to one of my favorite projects: my dryvase collection. —–Because they are designed to hold dried flowers, branches and weeds, I don’t make them waterproof. This keeps the price low and allows me to use some incredible reclaimed wood- replete with cracks, holes and beautiful character. Most of these above (including the oak and walnut folding table) are available at collingarrity.com

A photo posted by Modern Midwest (@modernmidwest) on Feb 22, 2016 at 9:58am PST

I make pottery tools, so I’ve traded with potters across the globe, but one of my favorite ceramicists is based here in #stlouis. @phillip_finder’s work is the perfect balance of simple form and complex texture. Check out his page!

A photo posted by Modern Midwest (@modernmidwest) on Feb 22, 2016 at 12:03pm PST

@theenamelproject is another one of my Midwest favorites. She uses materials like rope and yarn and concrete in ways that keep surprising. This bag is made out of one continuous piece of soft rope: and she dyed it herself. Visit her page to see the beautiful colors she uses. #mymodernmidwest

A photo posted by Modern Midwest (@modernmidwest) on Feb 22, 2016 at 1:50pm PST

@collingarrity here! This is a pendant light I call the ‘ludlow pendant.’ It takes the delicate industrial beauty of Edison bulbs and contrasts it with the solid earthiness of a reclaimed beam. I’ve been making them for years, but I can’t really take credit for their beauty: it’s all in the materials. #mymodernmidwest

A photo posted by Modern Midwest (@modernmidwest) on Feb 22, 2016 at 3:43pm PST

I’d like to introduce one more of my favorite Midwestern modernists before I say goodnight and end the @collingarrity takeover. This wall hanging was done by the young and talented @wabisabitextileco. She weaves, she teaches, she writes about her craft, and she helped my design the looms and weaving tools I make. Any wall would be lucky to host her work. #mymodernmidwest #handmademovement

A photo posted by Modern Midwest (@modernmidwest) on Feb 22, 2016 at 5:35pm PST

Thanks for letting me post today! If you liked my work, you can follow me at @collingarrity. There’s a lot of beauty in the Midwest and I’m glad @modernmidwest is sharing it! Goodnight! #mymodernmidwest

A photo posted by Modern Midwest (@modernmidwest) on Feb 22, 2016 at 7:21pm PST

 

Written by Hanna Estrem

Images from Modern Midwest’s Instgram and compliments Colin Garrity