Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 53
Occupation: Creative director and founder of Articolo Lighting.
Instagram: @articololighting
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia.
Studio location: Melbourne, Australia.
Describe what you make: Articolo has been exploring the art of light through hand-crafted artisanal lighting pieces since 2012. Our lighting collections explore the unique individuality and subtle differences intrinsic to mouth blown glass, coupled with a timeless design aesthetic. When lit, these sophisticated forms cast unique patterns and movements that reflect an unparalleled shadow play of light unique to Articolo.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: I’m proud of each design, but most recently our New York showroom has been an incredible achievement. Working with our long-term collaborator Studio Goss, we conceived a monochromatic backdrop that allows the building’s ornate original features to visually recede whilst emphasizing the shadow play of our mouth blown glass fixtures. The petite but beautiful space features gently arched walls and imposing bronze insertions that subtly reference Donald Judd. We’re so excited to have opened the doors.
Describe the problem your work solves: Artisanal lighting design can realize endless possibilities. No other medium combines elements of sculpture, design, and materiality with very pragmatic functionality. I really enjoy the tension this creates and the framework it provides in our studio. Every interior requires lighting, but rather than being an afterthought or designing a purely functional response, we strive to elevate lighting to the experiential, and celebrate what we’ve come to refer to as “the art of light.”
Describe the project you are working on now: Our team and I recently returned to ICFF, where we showcased two new collections: Trilogy and Banded. It was an entirely new presentation to what we showcased in Milan and enjoyed sharing it with our clients.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: We exhibited at Euroluce during Salone del Mobile for the first time last month, where we introduced two new collections. Each brings craftsmanship to the forefront through fine silhouettes and an array of finishes.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: I work long hours and am often at my desk until late, so in the evening I love to have music playing, a glass of wine, and the doors to the upstairs courtyard open with a whisper of wind and light dancing off the ivy leaves. It’s the most creative space I can imagine.
What you do when you’re not working: I love cooking for friends and family, and I also love to go for long walks. Being out in nature is both calming and inspiring, especially after a long week in the studio.
Sources of creative envy: I can’t say there is one source of creative envy. I find inspiration everywhere I go, from the washed, bleached colors of Marrakech and Mexico to the architectural detail found in minimalist Japan. I love to explore the local crafts, and pore over the work of local artisans of different lands. The Japanese are exceptionally talented in porcelain, whilst the Mexicans are experts in beading, embroidery, and silver. At times of travel and exploration, my mind goes into a conceptual overdrive.
The distraction you want to eliminate: My day spans design, sourcing, sales, marketing, and some aspects of early production, so most days involve 12 hours (or more) at the office. What keeps me inspired is a true love for what I do, and perhaps the fact that some of my best designs have been conceived when tossing and turning over an idea in the middle of the night. I enjoy this holistic, hands-on approach to my business, but look forward to the day when I’m able to focus solely on design and sourcing.
Concrete or marble? Concrete.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Neither! I prefer to stay grounded in what I can see and touch.
Dark or light? Light.
