Gary Gibson: An Artistic Approach to Design

There's an obsession with making rooms pretty in the design industry that I don't quite understand. I'm not moved by pretty. Flipping through the pages of any popular design magazine, I'm continually shocked at the glorification of over stylized rooms, without personality, but with lots of perfectly plush pillows in hues of floral pastels. One published project after the other, it reminds me of watching a blockbuster movie where you know exactly how the story's going to end from the very first scene. Especially in LA, it seems that there's an absence of designers who take more of an artistic approach in their businesses, expressing themselves outside of a need to create pretty rooms. In my observant opinion, one such designer who's filling the void for LA based design with heart and soul is Gary Gibson.

Last week, I sat down with the native Angelino in his retail showroom to discuss his trademark look, and to pick his brain as an integral player in the design game. The following Q&A’s are insightful snippets from our conversation:

SY: How do you describe your aesthetic?

GG: "My aim is to create interiors that are timeless and classic, but at the same time comfortable and usable. Contrasting surfaces, colors, and textures that excite the eye are always the goal. I'm driven in creating spaces that make people comfortable in the emotions they like to feel. I love juxtapositions, like a gorgeous silk rug on a concrete floor. I think playing with history is fun... designing a modern space, but placing something vintage in it [...] something old brings it back to a human factor.”


SY: What was your goal for adding a retail aspect to your design business?

GG: "I wanted to create an extension of my art studio. The store is a collection of objects that are one of a kind, handmade, mass-produced, vintage and antique [...] this is all the stuff that inspires my design work. I wanted to create an inspiring work environment that could also be accessible to the public; a functional place that's aesthetically pleasing to all who enter. I wanted to put together all the elements of what Gary the artist, interior designer, and product designer are all about. “



SY: What’s your earliest memory of wanting to be a designer?

GG: “When I was a little kid, my parents gave me permission to do whatever decorating I wanted to do in my bedroom. I had a huge bookcase that spanned the entire length of my wall with lots of shelves, and I would display my toys, rock collection, and all sorts of objects in this bookcase. I'd always change the way I displayed my stuff, and in a sense, I think this was my earliest attempt at creating vignettes to inspire the viewer. “



SY: How has being a native Angelino affected your design sensibility?

GG: "Well, there's definitely a less formal approach to design here. I think there's a casual elegance about my work that is related to being from the west coast. We are all products of our environment, and there's a low-key, organic quality about LA that affects your approach as a designer when you grow up here. I was initially an art major and later made a switch to the design department at UCLA, so even my experiences in formal education and training were done here.”


SY: Have there been any shifts in your clients needs in this last year of disarray?

GG: “The economy has been a really big influence, of course, but surprisingly our business increased last year. I think that people are making an effort to turn their homes into a safe place, physically and psychologically. It has become more essential to have a beautiful, inviting, comfy surrounding to call home. I find that clients are looking to simplify things, and are looking for a Zen-like quality in design.”



SY: Who would you consider an important artist that has been forgotten in recent years?

GG: “Jack Larsen. I think that Jack Larsen’s work as a textile designer is something contemporary designers may have forgotten about. I find that contemporaries take textiles for granted as a form of art. Larsen was influential in opening up the world of textiles to the American public. I’m very proud to be the only retail store in the country to carry Larsen’s textile re-issues from the 50’s.”



SY: Any tips for young designers?

GG: "Work for someone before going out on your own, and realize that there are other positions out there outside of being THE DESIGNER."


SY: I enjoy…

GG: "I enjoy…mornings at my showroom. I love the way light filters through the drapery, and how the changes in light throughout the day affect all the furniture and objects in the store. I enjoy… the days when new shipments of stuff come in. I feel like a kid in a candy store, like Christmas morning every single time. I love playing around with how I place things, and creating vignettes that provoke emotions."

Gary Gibson: An Artistic Approach to Design

There's an obsession with making rooms pretty in the design industry that I don't quite understand. I'm not moved by pretty. Flipping through the pages of any popular design magazine, I'm continually shocked at the glorification of over stylized rooms, without personality, but with lots of perfectly plush pillows in hues of floral pastels. One published project after the other, it reminds me of watching a blockbuster movie where you know exactly how the story's going to end from the very first scene. Especially in LA, it seems that there's an absence of designers who take more of an artistic approach in their businesses, expressing themselves outside of a need to create pretty rooms. In my observant opinion, one such designer who's filling the void for LA based design with heart and soul is Gary Gibson.

Last week, I sat down with the native Angelino in his retail showroom to discuss his trademark look, and to pick his brain as an integral player in the design game. The following Q&A’s are insightful snippets from our conversation:

SY: How do you describe your aesthetic?

GG: "My aim is to create interiors that are timeless and classic, but at the same time comfortable and usable. Contrasting surfaces, colors, and textures that excite the eye are always the goal. I'm driven in creating spaces that make people comfortable in the emotions they like to feel. I love juxtapositions, like a gorgeous silk rug on a concrete floor. I think playing with history is fun... designing a modern space, but placing something vintage in it [...] something old brings it back to a human factor.”


SY: What was your goal for adding a retail aspect to your design business?

GG: "I wanted to create an extension of my art studio. The store is a collection of objects that are one of a kind, handmade, mass-produced, vintage and antique [...] this is all the stuff that inspires my design work. I wanted to create an inspiring work environment that could also be accessible to the public; a functional place that's aesthetically pleasing to all who enter. I wanted to put together all the elements of what Gary the artist, interior designer, and product designer are all about. “



SY: What’s your earliest memory of wanting to be a designer?

GG: “When I was a little kid, my parents gave me permission to do whatever decorating I wanted to do in my bedroom. I had a huge bookcase that spanned the entire length of my wall with lots of shelves, and I would display my toys, rock collection, and all sorts of objects in this bookcase. I'd always change the way I displayed my stuff, and in a sense, I think this was my earliest attempt at creating vignettes to inspire the viewer. “



SY: How has being a native Angelino affected your design sensibility?

GG: "Well, there's definitely a less formal approach to design here. I think there's a casual elegance about my work that is related to being from the west coast. We are all products of our environment, and there's a low-key, organic quality about LA that affects your approach as a designer when you grow up here. I was initially an art major and later made a switch to the design department at UCLA, so even my experiences in formal education and training were done here.”


SY: Have there been any shifts in your clients needs in this last year of disarray?

GG: “The economy has been a really big influence, of course, but surprisingly our business increased last year. I think that people are making an effort to turn their homes into a safe place, physically and psychologically. It has become more essential to have a beautiful, inviting, comfy surrounding to call home. I find that clients are looking to simplify things, and are looking for a Zen-like quality in design.”



SY: Who would you consider an important artist that has been forgotten in recent years?

GG: “Jack Larsen. I think that Jack Larsen’s work as a textile designer is something contemporary designers may have forgotten about. I find that contemporaries take textiles for granted as a form of art. Larsen was influential in opening up the world of textiles to the American public. I’m very proud to be the only retail store in the country to carry Larsen’s textile re-issues from the 50’s.”



SY: Any tips for young designers?

GG: "Work for someone before going out on your own, and realize that there are other positions out there outside of being THE DESIGNER."


SY: I enjoy…

GG: "I enjoy…mornings at my showroom. I love the way light filters through the drapery, and how the changes in light throughout the day affect all the furniture and objects in the store. I enjoy… the days when new shipments of stuff come in. I feel like a kid in a candy store, like Christmas morning every single time. I love playing around with how I place things, and creating vignettes that provoke emotions."

Ask Debonair: Advice on Painting a Small Apartment

Hello friends. My latest post for Debonair Magazine is up today. As the interior design contributor for "Ask Debonair", I answer questions that are sent from readers concerning home and decor. I particularly enjoyed answering the latest question on painting a small space, as I myself have experienced the challenges of living in a cozy abode.

It seems that many are under the impression that they can't paint their studios or small one-bedroom apartments, fearing that their space may appear that much smaller. In the following piece, I explore color options and share tips I've picked up along the way. Working in the design industry, I'm constantly surrounded by creative geniuses, and they often share their tips, tricks, and all around know how with me. My goal is to share their knowledge, so that we can all live in more aesthetically pleasing spaces.

-S

Ask Debonair: Advice on Painting a Small Apartment

Hello friends. My latest post for Debonair Magazine is up today. As the interior design contributor for "Ask Debonair", I answer questions that are sent from readers concerning home and decor. I particularly enjoyed answering the latest question on painting a small space, as I myself have experienced the challenges of living in a cozy abode.

It seems that many are under the impression that they can't paint their studios or small one-bedroom apartments, fearing that their space may appear that much smaller. In the following piece, I explore color options and share tips I've picked up along the way. Working in the design industry, I'm constantly surrounded by creative geniuses, and they often share their tips, tricks, and all around know how with me. My goal is to share their knowledge, so that we can all live in more aesthetically pleasing spaces.

-S

Causing A Commotion

Those who know me know that I generally shy away from reblogging from other design sites... I find that it's the only way to secure authentic and unaffected content for your reading pleasure, and I'd just personally hate to be considered an echo-chamber in the blogosphere. That being said, I always look forward to the monthly Design Commotion blog. Actually, Design Commotion's format is less like a blog and more like an online newsletter getting you up to speed on design on both a national and often international level. The format is geared at giving quick bites of info instead of full page articles, and my undiagnosed ADD brain truly appreciates that. I particularly enjoyed one of the latest pieces on the “Do hit” chair by Marijn van der Poll at Droog in SoHo.

"Van der Poll describes the chair as an interpretation of Enzo Mari’s Sof-Sof chair. It is produced as a steel cube and beat into a submissive seat with the hammer. “Repetition of the beating only strengthened the concept,” the designer said. “The Do hit can either be shaped by its owner or by me.” I’d say the Dutchman has cornered the anger-management market." - Design Commotion.

As a design observer reading this latest post, I can't help but try to forecast shifts in the way people like to live. It's my belief that we'll be seeing more furniture like the "Do hit" chair, as idiosyncratic designs begin trending in the mainstream design market in 2010.


-S

Causing A Commotion

Those who know me know that I generally shy away from reblogging from other design sites... I find that it's the only way to secure authentic and unaffected content for your reading pleasure, and I'd just personally hate to be considered an echo-chamber in the blogosphere. That being said, I always look forward to the monthly Design Commotion blog. Actually, Design Commotion's format is less like a blog and more like an online newsletter getting you up to speed on design on both a national and often international level. The format is geared at giving quick bites of info instead of full page articles, and my undiagnosed ADD brain truly appreciates that. I particularly enjoyed one of the latest pieces on the “Do hit” chair by Marijn van der Poll at Droog in SoHo.

"Van der Poll describes the chair as an interpretation of Enzo Mari’s Sof-Sof chair. It is produced as a steel cube and beat into a submissive seat with the hammer. “Repetition of the beating only strengthened the concept,” the designer said. “The Do hit can either be shaped by its owner or by me.” I’d say the Dutchman has cornered the anger-management market." - Design Commotion.

As a design observer reading this latest post, I can't help but try to forecast shifts in the way people like to live. It's my belief that we'll be seeing more furniture like the "Do hit" chair, as idiosyncratic designs begin trending in the mainstream design market in 2010.


-S

Color Stories w/ the Beckerman Sisters

There's a fine line between avant garde style and wearing flat-out costumes in fashion. Rarely do we see ladies who can stand boldly with one foot on either side of the line, claiming both as sources of inspiration. Of course, there was the fictional Carrie Bradshaw, AKA the non-fictional Patricia Field, but I digress. Which brings me to the point of this post: The Beckerman Sisters. These Toronto natives have a wonderfully colorful fashion label, but an even more relevant style blog. Beckerman Biteplate is the sisters daily fashion diary that chronicles their own personal outfits. Their fashion sensibility is undoubtedly evident, but it's their styling abilities and on-the-spot art direction for their photos that personally inspires me. I'd love to see these ladies get into interior design, or production designing for film. If nothing else, the color stories these girls tell in their outfits are something to take note of. Time and time again, I talk about the need for juxtapositions in the design marketplace, and especially the need for young talent in the shelter arena. Maybe these girls could do a line of home accessories or even a line of fabrics or wallpaper. Speaking of wallpaper, have you heard about Vivienne Westwood's collaboration with the iconic Cole & Son wallpaper company?! It's a fitting collaboration when you consider that although Vivienne Westwood's known for her rock n' roll ways, elements of Westwood’s designs are still nestled in timeless British mores, just like the century old company.


-S

Color Stories w/ the Beckerman Sisters

There's a fine line between avant garde style and wearing flat-out costumes in fashion. Rarely do we see ladies who can stand boldly with one foot on either side of the line, claiming both as sources of inspiration. Of course, there was the fictional Carrie Bradshaw, AKA the non-fictional Patricia Field, but I digress. Which brings me to the point of this post: The Beckerman Sisters. These Toronto natives have a wonderfully colorful fashion label, but an even more relevant style blog. Beckerman Biteplate is the sisters daily fashion diary that chronicles their own personal outfits. Their fashion sensibility is undoubtedly evident, but it's their styling abilities and on-the-spot art direction for their photos that personally inspires me. I'd love to see these ladies get into interior design, or production designing for film. If nothing else, the color stories these girls tell in their outfits are something to take note of. Time and time again, I talk about the need for juxtapositions in the design marketplace, and especially the need for young talent in the shelter arena. Maybe these girls could do a line of home accessories or even a line of fabrics or wallpaper. Speaking of wallpaper, have you heard about Vivienne Westwood's collaboration with the iconic Cole & Son wallpaper company?! It's a fitting collaboration when you consider that although Vivienne Westwood's known for her rock n' roll ways, elements of Westwood’s designs are still nestled in timeless British mores, just like the century old company.


-S

Eugenio Gerli Bar Cart @ Reform Gallery

A couple weeks ago, I wrote a piece for Debonair Magazine on "The Home Bar Done Right." Ever since, I've been secretly fascinated with this vintage Eugenio Gerli bar cart @ Reform Gallery. The unusual "Jamaica" rolling bar cart with Tromp-Loeil detail is a stylish vignette waiting to happen! To me, it's a touch of 60's quirk meets a contemporary relevance fit for 2010. Whether you're a Modernist with a checkbook, or a weekender with a beauty-quota to fill, stop in and take a look at the curated collection @ Reform.

-S

Eugenio Gerli Bar Cart @ Reform Gallery

A couple weeks ago, I wrote a piece for Debonair Magazine on "The Home Bar Done Right." Ever since, I've been secretly fascinated with this vintage Eugenio Gerli bar cart @ Reform Gallery. The unusual "Jamaica" rolling bar cart with Tromp-Loeil detail is a stylish vignette waiting to happen! To me, it's a touch of 60's quirk meets a contemporary relevance fit for 2010. Whether you're a Modernist with a checkbook, or a weekender with a beauty-quota to fill, stop in and take a look at the curated collection @ Reform.

-S

Gadi Gilan Presented by ACL

Gadi Gilan Presented by ACL x Cole, Rood & Haan Co. from Michael Williams on Vimeo.

Gadi Gilan presented by ACL. I'm really feeling the style of this short filmed interview. Simple, content rich, and impressive.

Gadi Gilan Presented by ACL

Gadi Gilan Presented by ACL x Cole, Rood & Haan Co. from Michael Williams on Vimeo.

Gadi Gilan presented by ACL. I'm really feeling the style of this short filmed interview. Simple, content rich, and impressive.

Top Trends in Home Decor for 2010

Oh lord, things have been really busy in SEANLAND in the past few weeks... Got sick, extra hectic in the office, holiday parties, and Thanksgiving somewhere in between. My apologies for the hiatus in posting.

Last week, I co-produced a special segment with Associated Press (AP) worldwide. The segment covers the "Top 5 Trends in Home Decor for 2010," and as you can imagine the R&D for this was really fun to do. We filmed most of the shoot at Lee Stanton Antiques on La Cienega, because so much of what's relevant right now is happening there. I won't give it all away, but if I had to say, the standout for 2010 decor is projected to be a dark, moody, almost severe aesthetic... some are calling this style "New Victorian" or "The Moody Hipster," but I like to think of it as Gotham city meets haute couture.

I'm all about Lee's style and color palette of greys, blacks, and dirty whites... take a look at his showroom to get an idea of what I'm talking about.

-S

Top Trends in Home Decor for 2010

Oh lord, things have been really busy in SEANLAND in the past few weeks... Got sick, extra hectic in the office, holiday parties, and Thanksgiving somewhere in between. My apologies for the hiatus in posting.

Last week, I co-produced a special segment with Associated Press (AP) worldwide. The segment covers the "Top 5 Trends in Home Decor for 2010," and as you can imagine the R&D for this was really fun to do. We filmed most of the shoot at Lee Stanton Antiques on La Cienega, because so much of what's relevant right now is happening there. I won't give it all away, but if I had to say, the standout for 2010 decor is projected to be a dark, moody, almost severe aesthetic... some are calling this style "New Victorian" or "The Moody Hipster," but I like to think of it as Gotham city meets haute couture.

I'm all about Lee's style and color palette of greys, blacks, and dirty whites... take a look at his showroom to get an idea of what I'm talking about.

-S

Kara Mann: The Darker Side of Design in 2010

Ok, why haven't I blogged Kara Mann yet?! I mean, our company represents her, and I'm all about her work with a passion!

Championing the look of "The New Victorians," AKA "Steampunkians" Kara Mann's work is dark, atmospheric, smoky, layered and above all RELEVANT. I don't think a 2010 design forecast for home decor can be complete without a Kara Mann mention.

A self-described "biker chick at fashion week," Kara merges her background in fashion, art and design to create gutsy interiors that perfectly mix both modern and traditional elements. Think Vivienne Westwood meets Mark Romanek

Since opening her namesake firm, Kara Mann Design (KMD) in 2005, Kara has been recognized by InStyle as an ‘of-the-moment’ designer, and Vogue has recently appointed her as a member of ‘The Vogue 100,’ a group of influential decision makers and opinion leaders known for their distinctive taste in fashion and culture.

-S

Kara Mann: The Darker Side of Design in 2010

Ok, why haven't I blogged Kara Mann yet?! I mean, our company represents her, and I'm all about her work with a passion!

Championing the look of "The New Victorians," AKA "Steampunkians" Kara Mann's work is dark, atmospheric, smoky, layered and above all RELEVANT. I don't think a 2010 design forecast for home decor can be complete without a Kara Mann mention.

A self-described "biker chick at fashion week," Kara merges her background in fashion, art and design to create gutsy interiors that perfectly mix both modern and traditional elements. Think Vivienne Westwood meets Mark Romanek

Since opening her namesake firm, Kara Mann Design (KMD) in 2005, Kara has been recognized by InStyle as an ‘of-the-moment’ designer, and Vogue has recently appointed her as a member of ‘The Vogue 100,’ a group of influential decision makers and opinion leaders known for their distinctive taste in fashion and culture.

-S

Enlightened: A Conversation with Kevin Kolanowski

Los Angeles based lighting designer, Kevin Kolanowski, doesn't want to be known for "creating lamps for someone to read a book by." Launching Fuse Lighting in 2000, Kevin came on the scene as an artist with a distinct story to tell through sculpture and light. In the crowded marketplace that is home décor, I have to say that Kevin’s work appeals to me because it’s not trying to be something: some trend, some genre, or some homage to the past. The collections are bold yet edited, modern yet warm, and authentically chic.

I met Kevin just about a year ago at Westweek at the PDC, and have wanted to cover him on the blog ever since. Last week, we finally sat down to lunch and had a great conversation about his beginnings as a lighting designer, the business of design, the power of art, and the influence of L.A. as the backdrop for all of it:

SY: I understand that you’re a former interior designer turned lighting designer. Why did you make the switch?

KK: “11 years ago, I fabricated a reproduction of an antique wall sconce for a client’s home. The piece turned out to be a real success, and I found the experience of creating the sconce to be quite fulfilling. At that moment, I realized that lighting is sculpture, and it was allowing me to be an artist more than interior design.

SY: The marketplace for design is a tricky playing field. I’m always interested in knowing how a product designer gets their first account, especially in successful high-end showrooms.

KK: “I’ve known Thomas Lavin from the days when he was a top sales rep at Kneedler-Fauchère. When he opened his own boutique in the same year that I introduced my line, Thomas approached me and asked to carry my first collection. In the beginning, he was my strongest supporter… he really believed in my work from the get-go.”

SY: What kind of lighting designer are you? What’s your goal when you’re designing a lamp?

KK: “I want my pieces to play with light in a way that always makes you look good. I’m not creating lamps for someone to read a book by […] I’m more interested in making lamps that create a mood.”

SY: I hear that your pieces are also anti-depressants?

KK: “Some of my pieces are made with semi-precious stones such as Citrine, Amethyst and Carnelian, and many clients do tell me that they feel positive energy from them.”

SY: You do so many types of lighting, from small table lamps to oversized chandeliers. What’s your favorite to design?

KK: “I love sconces. They have this elegance about them. They have a way of making a room feel special.”

SY: What’s your stance on being an artist in L.A.? Some people say that L.A. is N.Y. lying down, and I’ve even heard that L.A. should just stick to sitcoms. Is it harder to prove yourself as a designer from L.A.?

KK: “I was raised in Chicago, and left because I didn’t fit in with the scene there. I can say that I found L.A. to be more accepting of an upcoming designer than let’s say N.Y."

SY: As a native Angelino, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come across a successful L.A. based designer who’s originally a mid-westerner. What is it about the mid-west?

KK: “It’s funny, I didn’t fit in with the conservative scene in the mid-west, but it’s because of the mid-western values I was raised with that I was able to have success in L.A. We believe in working hard, and that's a desirable quality employers in L.A. are looking for in the job market. Also, the more modest aesthetic of the mid-west helps me to edit my pieces, and I find that to be a great tool in designing."

SY: How does a young artist push fear aside and confidently move forward with his/her work?”

KK: “You must have a story. Right before I created my line, I remember thinking… I’m gonna tell MY story! If you have a story to tell, your art will have an audience.”

SY: Who do you look up to in lighting design?

KK: "Ingo Maurer"

SY: What’s to come for Fuse Lighting in 2010?

KK: "Our line will go across the pond with an opening in London. I’m also looking to expand with a line of exterior lighting too."

SY: Last question. I imagine that the home of a lighting designer would be all walls of glass and exposed with tons of light, right?

KK: “Actually, my home is pretty moody as far as light goes."

Enlightened: A Conversation with Kevin Kolanowski

Los Angeles based lighting designer, Kevin Kolanowski, doesn't want to be known for "creating lamps for someone to read a book by." Launching Fuse Lighting in 2000, Kevin came on the scene as an artist with a distinct story to tell through sculpture and light. In the crowded marketplace that is home décor, I have to say that Kevin’s work appeals to me because it’s not trying to be something: some trend, some genre, or some homage to the past. The collections are bold yet edited, modern yet warm, and authentically chic.

I met Kevin just about a year ago at Westweek at the PDC, and have wanted to cover him on the blog ever since. Last week, we finally sat down to lunch and had a great conversation about his beginnings as a lighting designer, the business of design, the power of art, and the influence of L.A. as the backdrop for all of it:

SY: I understand that you’re a former interior designer turned lighting designer. Why did you make the switch?

KK: “11 years ago, I fabricated a reproduction of an antique wall sconce for a client’s home. The piece turned out to be a real success, and I found the experience of creating the sconce to be quite fulfilling. At that moment, I realized that lighting is sculpture, and it was allowing me to be an artist more than interior design.

SY: The marketplace for design is a tricky playing field. I’m always interested in knowing how a product designer gets their first account, especially in successful high-end showrooms.

KK: “I’ve known Thomas Lavin from the days when he was a top sales rep at Kneedler-Fauchère. When he opened his own boutique in the same year that I introduced my line, Thomas approached me and asked to carry my first collection. In the beginning, he was my strongest supporter… he really believed in my work from the get-go.”

SY: What kind of lighting designer are you? What’s your goal when you’re designing a lamp?

KK: “I want my pieces to play with light in a way that always makes you look good. I’m not creating lamps for someone to read a book by […] I’m more interested in making lamps that create a mood.”

SY: I hear that your pieces are also anti-depressants?

KK: “Some of my pieces are made with semi-precious stones such as Citrine, Amethyst and Carnelian, and many clients do tell me that they feel positive energy from them.”

SY: You do so many types of lighting, from small table lamps to oversized chandeliers. What’s your favorite to design?

KK: “I love sconces. They have this elegance about them. They have a way of making a room feel special.”

SY: What’s your stance on being an artist in L.A.? Some people say that L.A. is N.Y. lying down, and I’ve even heard that L.A. should just stick to sitcoms. Is it harder to prove yourself as a designer from L.A.?

KK: “I was raised in Chicago, and left because I didn’t fit in with the scene there. I can say that I found L.A. to be more accepting of an upcoming designer than let’s say N.Y."

SY: As a native Angelino, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come across a successful L.A. based designer who’s originally a mid-westerner. What is it about the mid-west?

KK: “It’s funny, I didn’t fit in with the conservative scene in the mid-west, but it’s because of the mid-western values I was raised with that I was able to have success in L.A. We believe in working hard, and that's a desirable quality employers in L.A. are looking for in the job market. Also, the more modest aesthetic of the mid-west helps me to edit my pieces, and I find that to be a great tool in designing."

SY: How does a young artist push fear aside and confidently move forward with his/her work?”

KK: “You must have a story. Right before I created my line, I remember thinking… I’m gonna tell MY story! If you have a story to tell, your art will have an audience.”

SY: Who do you look up to in lighting design?

KK: "Ingo Maurer"

SY: What’s to come for Fuse Lighting in 2010?

KK: "Our line will go across the pond with an opening in London. I’m also looking to expand with a line of exterior lighting too."

SY: Last question. I imagine that the home of a lighting designer would be all walls of glass and exposed with tons of light, right?

KK: “Actually, my home is pretty moody as far as light goes."

The Dishes Are Done

(Bison Kintsugi technique)


(Tectonic Repair technique)

Some readers of this blog may remember an entry I posted earlier this year on the art of Wabi-Sabi: The Japanese concept of "imperfect beauty," ... an embrace of imperfections, to say the least. Well, today I came across an artist by the name of Lotte Dekker, who is taking this concept to another level!

Lotte Dekker developed a new technique for repairing porcelain based on kintsugi (literally golden joinery in Japanese), a 15th century Japanese technique that repairs porcelain with gold leafing. It became so popular during its peak that people deliberately broke their own pottery so they also could have it "repaired."

Dekker's technique, called "Bison Kintsugi," is kintsugi in spirit, but instead uses modern-day Bison glue and inexpensive gold powder to achieve similar results. Dekker also another technique she calls "Tectonic Repair," using a kneadable glue that widens and essentially reshapes the cracks. By reshaping the crack, instead of denying it, the object is allowed to become a new form altogether. And may I add that this technique is highly green, which only adds to the relevance of incorporating the concept in our design solutions today.

A fascination for challenging aesthetics continues...

-S

The Dishes Are Done

(Bison Kintsugi technique)


(Tectonic Repair technique)

Some readers of this blog may remember an entry I posted earlier this year on the art of Wabi-Sabi: The Japanese concept of "imperfect beauty," ... an embrace of imperfections, to say the least. Well, today I came across an artist by the name of Lotte Dekker, who is taking this concept to another level!

Lotte Dekker developed a new technique for repairing porcelain based on kintsugi (literally golden joinery in Japanese), a 15th century Japanese technique that repairs porcelain with gold leafing. It became so popular during its peak that people deliberately broke their own pottery so they also could have it "repaired."

Dekker's technique, called "Bison Kintsugi," is kintsugi in spirit, but instead uses modern-day Bison glue and inexpensive gold powder to achieve similar results. Dekker also another technique she calls "Tectonic Repair," using a kneadable glue that widens and essentially reshapes the cracks. By reshaping the crack, instead of denying it, the object is allowed to become a new form altogether. And may I add that this technique is highly green, which only adds to the relevance of incorporating the concept in our design solutions today.

A fascination for challenging aesthetics continues...

-S