Form and function has always been very important to our society. Even before electricity, running water and gas powered vehicles, our instinctive nature for creating items to sustain our basic needs with the best possible results, has been unequaled to any other species in our world. However, the need to be the biggest and the best in our endeavors is taking a toll on what once seemed an endless supply of wood from forests and natural resources that we use for plastics in our insatiable hunger for the most current of modern furniture.

An eight year young company based in Los Angeles started out as a mass producer of limited-edition furniture but had the foresight to realize that we are living in a world of waste. This prompted Orange22 to think about introducing a new form of unique furnishings, stamped with the mark of international artists and designers and benefiting the world at the same time. Protecting our natural resources and helping mankind is what Blank Canvas Project is all about.

The staff of Orange22 is dedicated to using only earth friendly materials in their designs in an effort to conform society into realizing that it is not necessary to destroy the earth to present beauty in designs. In addition to creating awesome one of a kind masterpieces, this group has yet another goal. The need for helping mankind with such problems as cancer, AIDS, and education are but a few of the areas where worldwide artists of today are leading.

To date, Orange22 has created an initial line of Botanist furniture, known as the Botanist Blank Canvas Project. A dynamic team of designers were hand picked by Dario Antonioni, Founder and Creative Director of Orange22, to leave their artistic mark on three pieces of furniture, a bench, coffee table and end table of the Blank Canvas Series. Each designer, together with Orange22, donates a portion of the royalty to a charity or foundation of their choice.

Such recognized names as Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Milton Glaser and Clause Zellweger leave their individualized signature on each piece offered. Owning a work of art by these greats is not only desirable but functional, as well. Sturdy, lightweight, and environmentally friendly, the bench, coffee table or end table can grace a furniture grouping or stand alone in any home or office.

Dario hopes that his doctrine of utilizing collaboration to create positive change will resonate beyond the design community, modern furniture, and ultimately help to affect and inspire the greater global community. Orange22 has plans for Botanist in the future, as well. Antonioni is currently working on a book called A Decade of Botanist: A Philanthropic Product, 80 designers and 80 foundations and how we’ve helped change the world.