Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 32
Occupation: Multidisciplinary artist and textile designer.
Instagram: @elanbyrd
Hometown: Miami.
Studio location: Miami, but just moved to Los Angeles so in the process of transitioning my space.
Describe what you make: Objects, paintings, and textiles that explore the combination of material play through natural fibers and texture.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: La Unión, a wall hanging tapestry I created during my artist residency in Oaxaca. It was made from Ixtle, an Agave fiber used traditionally for industrial rope. I was inspired by the Quetzalcoatl symbol of the feathered serpent, and the complementary dualism it represents of the union between the earth and sky. More importantly, the process of weaving this piece over the course of a few weeks taught me to have the patience to focus on a singular work, not be afraid to work on larger-scale projects, and to be open to creating with new fibers and materials that I never worked with before.
Describe the problem your work solves: I’m continuously trying to find new or unexpected ways to bring in natural elements through my art in a tactile form.
Describe the project you are working on now: I’ve been slowly working on a new body of work called “The Stories We Tell Through Color” that explores the intersections of craft, color, and human connection. I was yearning to work with color and got the push I needed to create this series after traveling the past year. I’m excited to finally share a new color palette. Hoping for it all to come together and be released later this spring.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I’m in the process of finishing up a few series of new prints that will launch on my website in February. This past year, I really missed drawing and creating two-dimensional art. I’ve been working on line drawings, abstract paintings, and digital collages as another creative outlet.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Setting the vibe in the studio is important, and playing music is a big component. I’ve been playing a lot of Afrobeats, which helps me get out of my head and into flow to intuitively create. Also, having a room flooded with natural daylight and a clean open floor space is the best invitation to begin making a mess all over again.
What you do when you’re not working: I’m either outside going for walks and exploring my neighborhood, or being horizontal, spending hours online sourcing vintage furniture that I may never buy.
Sources of creative envy: El Anatsui, Anni Albers, Simone Leigh, Sergio Rodrigues, Luis Barragán, Isamu Noguchi, Eduardo Chillida.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Going down a rabbit hole of decluttering videos on YouTube. For some reason, I’m just fascinated with the stuff people accumulate and get rid of.
Concrete or marble? Marble.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.
Dark or light? Twilight.
