Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 27
Occupation: Designer.
Instagram: @ian__felton
Hometown: Washington, DC.
Studio location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Describe what you make: I try to create functional art objects imbued with a sense of animism often inspired by ancient cultures. My most recent collection, called KOSA, takes inspiration from pre-Colombian cultures, looking at the details in architecture, ceramics, and symbology. These nascent societies were experts at whimsical storytelling and I try to capture that in an abstract way.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The Mullu Coffee Table I debuted at In Good Company this year. It was a huge challenge making it as I envisioned, and I feel it most clearly embodies my concept so far.
Describe the problem your work solves: The problem that most vexes me in the design and art world is disconnect. I’m attempting to make objects with a history, a sense of spirit—non-figurative and abstract but still somehow inextricably linked to our history or emotions.
Describe the project you are working on now: Working on an apartment interior design/full renovation project in Madrid with my wife and a very secret and material development.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I’ll be launching my full collection at Galerie Michael Bargo on Thursday, Sept. 19.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Above all, music.
What you do when you’re not working: Lately? Still working! There was a time not too long ago that I’d be rock climbing or putzing around in Lower Manhattan and friends’ studios.
Sources of creative envy: Dead: Osvaldo Borsani, Paolo Buffa, Jean Royere, Andre Borderie. Alive: Vincenzo de Cotiis, Max Lamb, Rick Owens, Guy Bareff.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Instagram…
Concrete or marble? Lava rock.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse in Southern Europe please.
Remember or forget? Definitely always remember what I forgot…
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens for sure. They’re out there.
Dark or light? Chiaroscuro.
