Custom furniture handmade in Chicago
LAYLO is the studio practice of Sam and Lydia Link.
Founded with the intention of building through the exploration and integration of traditionally siloed crafts, the partners design and independently produce limited edition, functional works in their Chicago workshop using both contemporary and age-old equipment and techniques. Metal fabrication methodologies revolutionized by the last century of industrialization convene with imaginative woven elements and detailed woodwork to culminate in contemporary pieces that span eras and disciplines.
Sam and Lydia are deeply committed to creating each piece themselves, believing firmly that this hands-on approach imbues their creations with a tangible essence of their presence as both artisans and artists. Their work is a testament to their dedication and passion, an ode to the meticulous and diligent process of creation. They adopt a "slow-cooker" approach to design and manufacturing, a deliberate counter-narrative to the relentless 24/7 production schedule that has dominated the market since the mid-19th century referencing the contrarian Arts and Craft and Studio Craft movement that emerged.
As a result of their methods, each piece in their collection is not merely an object but a narrative of Sam and Lydia’s personal journey through the manual manipulation of materials. Their work is informed not just by their creative vision but also by external references that guide their labor. In an age of mass production, LAYLO stands out as a beacon of individuality and craft, offering pieces that are not just made but are brought into existence with intention, care, and a profound connection to the history and significance of making.
