Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 56
Occupation: Artist and designer.
Instagram: @erstudio
Hometown: Santa Maria, CA.
Studio location: Highland Park, Los Angeles.
Describe what you make: Ceramic sculpture, lighting, and design objects.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The chandelier I created for [The Future Perfect Founder] David Alhadeff’s apartment. It was my first attempt at larger-scaled lighting and still one of the most referenced designs for commissions.
Describe the problem your work solves: If my work brings an unexpected beauty, interest, and harmony to an environment, that would be enough for me.
Describe the project you are working on now: I am working on a collection of lighting, table lamps, sconces, and pendants that will be released as editions. Up to now, most of my work has been one-of-a-kind or bespoke.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I have a show opening at The Future Perfect’s Casa Perfect New York space on Sept. 16 called “Arroyo Seco.” It’s been a couple of years since we decided to do a show, but because of Covid, it’s been pushed back several times. The extra time was good for me, though. I got really inspired by my surroundings here in Los Angeles, and the life we’ve created with our home, animals, garden, and nature that surrounds us. Arroyo Seco, the area where we live, is known for its rich history of artists who’ve had studios here for the past 100 years and I wanted to honor that.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Definitely music. I used to be an art director in the music business and couldn’t imagine not having music playing at work. But air conditioning is also a must—my brain melts when I’m overheated.
What you do when you’re not working: I love working in the garden; it helps me decompress and get inspired. We also have a place up in Santa Barbara where we escape most weekends.
Sources of creative envy: This list is quite long, but to name just a few would be Jean Michel Frank, Constantin Brâncuși, Rudolf Schindler, Rick Owens, Le Corbusier, Lalanne…
The distraction you want to eliminate: Phone and emails.
Concrete or marble? Depends on the application, but probably concrete. I like using humble materials to create something elevated and special.
High-rise or townhouse? Neither. I prefer a house where I can have garden space and a home studio. That’s why I live in California.
Remember or forget? Remember. I spend half my time looking for things around my studio.
Aliens or ghosts? Ghosts. I love history and the past.
Dark or light? Light.
