Photography by Mark Hanauer, courtesy of Salon 94 Design
Photography by Mark Hanauer, courtesy of Salon 94 Design
Turkey Tail Chair. Image courtesy of David Wiseman Studio and Salon 94 Design
DESIGNER OF THE DAY

Designer of the Day: David Wiseman

David Wiseman is best known for his breathtakingly nature-inspired immersions that sprawl up walls, on ceilings, and through entire rooms, wielding the wisdom of timeless craft techniques to explore how beauty and ornament can augment how we experience everyday life. Lately, the Los Angeles–based talent has been shifting his focus to the creation of one-of-a-kind objects and furniture that elevate the continuously experimental and adventurous nature of his practice to even greater heights. Each one, from a bronze lounge chair with mossy mounds of upholstery to turquoise stools that wink to Egyptian sculpture, is buoyant with gestures and forms that revel in life and ripple with tactile delight.

David Wiseman is best known for his breathtakingly nature-inspired immersions that sprawl up walls, on ceilings, and through entire rooms, wielding the wisdom of timeless craft techniques to explore how beauty and ornament can augment how we experience everyday life. Lately, the Los Angeles–based talent has been shifting his focus to the creation of one-of-a-kind objects and furniture that elevate the continuously experimental and adventurous nature of his practice to even greater heights. Each one, from a bronze lounge chair with mossy mounds of upholstery to turquoise stools that wink to Egyptian sculpture, is buoyant with gestures and forms that revel in life and ripple with tactile delight.

Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.

Age: 43

Occupation: Artist/designer.

Instagram: @dwisemanstudio

Hometown: Los Angeles.

Studio location: Frogtown, Los Angeles.

Describe what you make: I make drawings and objects.

Photography by Mark Hanauer, courtesy of Salon 94 Design
Photography by Mark Hanauer, courtesy of Salon 94 Design

The most important thing you’ve designed to date: I put everything into each piece. Some are large, some are small. I hope they’re useful and that people find value in them. 

Describe the problem your work solves: I’m not trying to solve anyone’s problem. I’m trying to imbue each work with wonder and craftsmanship. 

Describe the project you are working on now: The show at Salon 94 Design is about making functional works. I’ve spent a good part of my career engaged in commissions that have taken the work far and wide, to sometimes fantastical realms. This show in particular is about bringing back those ideas to everyday life. Many of the works that I made, I use in and around the studio and I hope people find use in them. 

A new or forthcoming project we should know about: My solo exhibition at Salon 94 Design called “Works from the Lost Valley,” which presents a new collection of furniture and other objects intended for daily use. 

Images courtesy of David Wiseman Studio and Salon 94 Design
Photography by Mark Hanauer, courtesy of Salon 94 Design

What you absolutely must have in your studio: Dogs, a cat, my friends, my guitar, and my fire cave.

What you do when you’re not working: I practice flamenco guitar.

Sources of creative envy: I admire Hayao Miyazaki, Pierre Marie, Micah Lidberg, and Les Lalanne. 

The distraction you want to eliminate: Midnight fridge raids and negative self-criticism.

Asanoha Bench. Image courtesy of David Wiseman Studio and Salon 94 Design
Turkey Tail Chair. Image courtesy of David Wiseman Studio and Salon 94 Design

Concrete or marble? Concrete.

High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.

Remember or forget? Remember.

Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.

Dark or light? Light.

Portrait by Mark Hanauer.

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