HGTV - The Utopia Chair

Utopia Chair

Guest Joe Bohrer, a.k.a. "Utopia Joe" designs an unconventional yet functional utopia chair.

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Project by Joe Bohrer, a.k.a. "Utopia Joe" from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Joe Bohrer grew up loving all things about classic cars: the colors, the lines and the way they made him feel. Art has always played a part in his life, just like the cars, but it's only been in the last few years that he has found a way to bring these passions together. He calls it his "urban art" which for him is a magical melding of artistic vision and function. He builds everyday chairs that are cool like classic cars, and they look like 'em, too!

Materials:

MDF- Medium Density Fiberboard for the chair's back and base
foam
faux fur
metal brackets and bolts
jigsaw
sander
body grinder
chair templates
sandpaper
drill
pencil
permanent marker
oil based wood stain
spray paint
staple gun
ratchet wrench

Figure A

1. Design and sketch the chair on MDF.

Figure B

2. Cut out one back and three base pieces using a jigsaw.

3. Sand the edges with the hand and power sander.

4. Draw additional detailed designs on the chair backing with a pencil.

Figure C

5. Cut V-shape groove lines with a utility knife. This will separate the backing of the chair into two sections. Both sections will be painted different colors.

6. Sand the groove smooth with a small piece of sandpaper.

Figure D

7. Detail one section of the backing using a body grinder. Leave the other section smooth to provide contrast.

8. Drill nut and bolt holes where the chair will be attached.

Figure E

9. Mask off backing then spray paint the smooth section red and the grinded area black. Let dry.

10. Stain all base pieces. Dry completely.

Figure F

11. Sand the backing and other chair pieces by hand to rough up the look of the chair.

12. Add details to the back with colored pencils and permanent markers. Highlight specific areas along the edges as desired.

Figure G

13. Assemble the chair using the one-piece metal bracket and bolts. Note: Separate individual brackets can also be used.

Figure H

Prior to assembling, paint, grind and sand the bolts to age the pieces.

Figure I

14. Place the foam on the seat section and wrap the fabric around the seat and staple to the back of the seat piece.

Figure J

Attach the seat to the chair base with screws.

Figure K

15. As a final touch, add signature bolts and nuts to pre-drilled holes in the back of the chair.

E-mail: Joe@UtopiaJoe.com

Website: utopiajoe.com

Oklahoman News Cover Story - Utopia Joe TV Show on OETA/PBS

PBS/OETA show provides utopia for local art community


By JOHN A. WILLIAMS, NewsOK.com

Published - TulsaWorld.com
Joe Bohrer has worn many hats — minister, musician, artist and reality TV star. But his real passion is to help Oklahoma City become known for its art and its artists.

One vehicle for that is the "Utopia Joe” show currently airing on PBS/OETA, a show that has caught the attention of the TLC and CMT cable networks. He’s also made guest appearances on HGTV.

His TV career started in the garage of his northwest Oklahoma City home. With his wife, Tiffany, in her own right a gifted artist, Bohrer began turning out furniture that best can be described as urban art. A friend chronicled the effort by following him around the garage and at art shows.

"I had bigger visions of it,” Bohrer said. "I started seeing incorporating local music and creating an amazing artistic show that would showcase artists in Oklahoma.”

OETA Executive Director John McCarroll saw the potential in the show. So OETA produced 13 shows that were shot largely at the garage, which serves as his studio/workshop. Bohrer also got his wish to include local musicians in the show. One of them, Matt Bowlin, has become a good friend who works on various art projects with "Utopia Joe.”

"He had sent me a message saying he had listened to my music and said ‘I’m doing a TV show and I think you’d be perfect for it,’” Bolin said. "We ended up shooting footage of me singing one of my songs there at his studio and that began a friendship.”

Bohrer, also known as Utopia Joe, said he was encouraged by his parents to nurture his creative streak.

"My entire family was creative in different

ways. I grew up in a very traditional Southern Baptist environment, but my folks were always supportive of whatever I wanted to do,” he said.

That religious background led Bohrer to pursue a masters of theology degree and serve in the ministry for about 15 years. He found that creativity was not always welcome in certain church circles.

"Twenty years ago I wanted to have these churches that are around today — wearing jeans or a T-shirt to church, contemporary music and videos. But it was such a constant battle with people in the church,” he said.

So Bohrer fell back on the one thing he’s always loved — art. His work as a commercial artist landed him jobs with Marvel Comics, L.A. Gear, Virgin Interactive and Precious Moments figurines.

"We have people who say they want to see Oklahoma grow, but when it comes down to it there is the same resistance there was in the church,” he said. "I just want to do what I can to help spread the word about our art and artists.” By JOHN A. WILLIAMS, NewsOK.com

Custom Utopia Chair Video as seen on HGTV

One of Joe's trademark sayings is that he is always "Makin' Magic".  To see more of the magic, check out his custom Utopia Chairs as seen on HGTV.  http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/utopia-chair/index.html

To watch the making of a Utopia Chair.  See Joe and Bruce in this video shot by Madison Belanger and edited by Utopia Joe.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suwK0cpeUfw   Featuring the music of Ali Harter as seen on the The Utopia Joe TV Show/PBS & soundtrack from Grey's Anatomy/ABC.   http://www.alihartermusic.com/