Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 30
Occupation: Designer and artist.
Instagram: @federico.stefanovich
Hometown: Mexico City.
Studio location: Mexico City.
Describe what you make: My work centers on crafting collectible design pieces that serve as both functional and sculptural objects, with a primary focus on lighting fixtures. Key concepts like balance and counterpoise are vital in my creations, as I aim to convey a poetic and clever playfulness through my work. Attention to detail, versatility, and resourcefulness combined with the marvelous craftsmanship of local workshops are fundamental aspects of my pieces. These elements highlight traditional and handmade processes, weaving a story and infusing a cultural aspect that aims to create an emotional connection with the user.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The Candelera Collection. These particular pieces caught the attention of different galleries and collectors and was the reason I started selling my work on an international scale and allowed me to fully establish my studio.
Describe the problem your work solves: My work allows interior designers and clients to have specific, custom-made sculptural pieces that are both sculptures and functional lighting pieces. Having locally crafted, handmade pieces that have a unique character in any space fosters a special connection between the environment and its inhabitants.
Describe the project you are working on now: Launching a new lighting collection that was developed exclusively for Ago Projects in Mexico City. We’ve been working on this for almost two years and it’s the first full collection that I designed considering different typologies of pieces of the same family.
Composed of six pieces, the collection is inspired by the natural and organic forms found in nature. Drawing from the intricate structures of plants, seeds, leaves, and mushrooms, we designed fixtures that embody these elements with organically curved shapes and leaf-like lampshades. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted using three primary materials: carved wood, brass, and cast bronze. These materials not only showcase the exceptional skill involved in their creation but contribute to the unique character and elegance of each fixture.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: My first solo exhibition presenting the Folia Collection made for Ago Projects. The opening will be at their gallery on July 20.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Music and coffee are both a must to function properly. Also it has always been important to me to be surrounded with tools and materials to do a lot of handmade prototyping and not only using the computer. Having different objects and shapes, organic elements like bones or branches and flowers that do not necessarily relate to design are important to keep inspired and integrate nature elements in our design processes.
What you do when you’re not working: Sports and fitness are a must in my daily routine. Also I spend most of my spare time having drinks and food with friends enjoying Mexico City. If not, probably at home with my girlfriend, my dog, and my cats.
Sources of creative envy: Since I was a kid, I was amazed by Alexander Calder and still to this date I love being in contact with his work and his approach to playful sculpture. Also, I recently had the chance to visit Vincenzo De Cotiis’ gallery and house in Milan. I truly admire his work. Expression, forms and materiality are stunning in his pieces.
The distraction you want to eliminate: I feel comfortable with my work and personal balance at the moment. Even if some things distract me from work, I feel those distractions are needed to keep me motivated and comfortable.
Concrete or marble? Marble.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.
Dark or light? Light.
All photography by Alejandro Ramirez Orozco.
