Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 52
Occupation: Designer, artist, and creative director of Andrea Claire Studio.
Instagram: @andreaclairestudio
Hometown: Setauket, New York.
Studio location: Los Angeles and Brooklyn.
Describe what you make: I designed a mobile chandelier system and invented a six-sided shape we call The Polyhedron. The original polyhedrons are made of bamboo and come in six sizes ranging from 8″ to 22″. We started the business with this kit of parts system where we create site responsive custom chandeliers—changing the size, shape, and finish. A couple years later, we expanded the material palette to include hand-cast porcelain polyhedrons in two sizes. This year, we expanded again and launched a new collection using a new kit of parts system with different shapes and materials—glass and partially deconstructed elements. The series is called Sublimation and offers, for the first time, standing lamps, smaller pendants and sconces, and large-scale chandeliers.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The system we started with set the studio’s tone. Even though I’ve worked with it for years, I still discover new possibilities.
Describe the problem your work solves: I love this question because I always say that my superpower is being a good problem solver. I thrive on solving complex problems on multiple levels. It’s hard to distill one problem the work solves because there are many, but in general we created a sustainable business that employs skilled craftspeople/artists and creates beautiful things that make people happy.
Describe the project you are working on now: For the new collection, I’m experimenting with glass mirroring techniques and how that can reflect and refract light in unexpected ways.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: Yesterday, we shipped a huge multipart chandelier to the Park MGM in Las Vegas for a new bar and restaurant called Mama Rabbit. It will launch in late August. It’s very exciting.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Air and light fuel me so I need a chill space with a view and breeze. Music, comfortable seating, and no clutter is important, as well as space to pin up ideas, images, and drawings we are working on. I need lots of tools, materials to experiment with, and smart, talented, dedicated, creative people to work with.
What you do when you’re not working: Walking my two poodles and surfing.
Sources of creative envy: I love Isamu Noguchi’s clean material-based aesthetic. The shapes he created and his work’s timeless qualities are hugely inspiring. If I’m having a bad day, a trip to the Noguchi Museum in Queens will always help me feel like the struggle is worth it.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Self-doubt.
Concrete or marble? I love both. It depends on the application.
High-rise or townhouse? Either, as long as there’s a view.
Remember or forget? Remember good things and learn from bad ones, but don’t forget.
Aliens or ghosts? Ghosts.
Dark or light? There’s no light without dark.
