Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 49
Occupation: Lighting and furniture designer.
Instagram: @avram_rusu_studio
Hometown: Bucharest, Romania.
Studio location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
Describe what you make: Lighting fixtures, furniture, and accessories.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The Botanica collection, which launched at Design Miami in 2021, embodies my vision of a tropical fantasy. It allowed me to experiment with new glass color combinations and explore volume and scale while integrating LED technology. I’m expanding the color palette with neutral tones and adding a sconce to the collection later this year.
Describe the problem your work solves: Lighting as sculpture.
Describe the project you are working on now: I’m currently collaborating with glass artist George William Bell. We’re also pushing the boundaries of scale with several exciting custom Continuum Collection commissions.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: In August, I launched the Marea collection, which is an exploration of organic forms inspired by marine life and underwater seascapes. The new works are informed by my childhood visits to the Black Sea and love for scuba diving. The collection consists of flowing, freehand shapes that are more complex than they appear, requiring deft glass work that incorporates layering of multiple colors with individual shaping. The collection includes the Marea Chandelier, three Marea Pendant styles, and the Marea Sconce. The Aurelia, Small Leidyi, and Large Leidyi pendants reflect my fascination with jellyfish in particular.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Tons of sunlight, plants, and music.
What you do when you’re not working: I can be found at a live music show, art gallery, or museum, enjoying a great meal, hiking, biking, pilates, and traveling as much as possible.
Sources of creative envy: Eileen Grey, Pierre Chareau, Carlo Scarpa, and David Wiseman.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Email and anything admin-related.
Concrete or marble? Marble.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.
Dark or light? Both.
Portrait by Joe Kramm.
