Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 37
Occupation: Glass artist.
Instagram: @cedricmitchelldesign
Hometown: Tulsa, OK.
Studio location: Los Angeles.
Describe what you make: I make a wide range of decorative and functional glass, consisting of tabletop designs, lighting, and homewares.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The Enjoue’ Bottle Collection. These bright and playful bottles were inspired by the Ettore Sottsass Bharata Series. It utilizes a Venetian cane technique reimagined with my own style and was derived during my artist residency in March at the Corning Museum of Glass.
Describe the problem your work solves: My work provides other aspiring glassmakers of color with a reference point. When I first started in glass ten years ago, there were only three well-known Black glass artists. My work solves the problem of equity and shows other makers of color that they can also have a viable career path in glass.
Describe the project you are working on now: The Object Lounge in partnership with Heath Ceramics. I was offered an opportunity to showcase a series of decorative objects in their showroom. These objects are a collection of new techniques experimenting with form, texture, color, and pattern. All the objects were created during a two-month period of artist residencies in New York, Seattle, and New Orleans.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: Working on lighting designs and ideas—some in collaboration with other artists and also designs of my own. They’re scheduled to debut this winter with a collection of pendants, table, and floor lamps.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Really good coffee and music. That combination makes everything better.
What you do when you’re not working: I try to spend as much time as I can with family. Also enjoy the L.A. weather and do some activities outside. My favorite place to be in my community is Leimert Park.
Sources of creative envy: Peter Moore, who designed the Nike Jordan 1. It was such an iconic design that broke all the rules and transformed the shoe game.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Aimlessly scrolling on Instagram. It’s like when you look into an empty fridge knowing there’s nothing good in there for you.
Concrete or marble? Concrete.
High-rise or townhouse? High-rise.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.
Dark or light? Light.
