Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 48
Occupation: Artist and designer.
Instagram: @stefanbishop
Hometown: Boulder, CO.
Studio location: Los Angeles.
Describe what you make: I make various sculptural forms mostly in wood, bronze, or steel. Many of these forms serve a utilitarian function and fall into the “design” category while the pieces with a more ethereal purpose are typically classified as “art.” I think of them as one in the same and don’t bother with the distinction much.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: Using some old, industrial steel shelves, I designed a large router table that we use to flatten everything from massive logs or timber to the small individual section used to make one of the stacked tables in my Ring or Orka series. It’s the most used machine in my shop.
Describe the problem your work solves: If there’s a problem… don’t call Stefan Bishop! I hope my work is intriguing and enriching. I hope it touches you or stirs something. I hope if it doesn’t inspire you, it’ll provoke or perplex you. I hope it stimulates and seduces. I hope it expands and informs. I hope it regulates, calms, and connects. If somehow a problem is inadvertently solved… awesome.
Describe the project you are working on now: I’m using the current social pause to move into the digital realm, exploring how going 3D will improve all my current languages and stretch my work into uncharted territories.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I recently installed my inaugural show at Ralph Pucci International in Los Angeles. I have about a dozen new pieces in development right now that will debut at Ralph Pucci in New York City sometime in 2021. Stay tuned for exact dates.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Grinders!
What you do when you’re not working: Family, family, family… If I’m not in the studio, I’m engaged with my family in one way or another. My solo escape is winding up a mountain road on my motorcycle.
Sources of creative envy: JB Blunk.
The distraction you want to eliminate: I regularly delete Instagram from my phone only to install it again a day later.
Concrete or marble? Beautiful…
High-rise or townhouse? No thanks. 350+ acres will do.
Remember or forget? Don’t forget to remind me.
Aliens or ghosts? I don’t think we have the foggiest idea of what those things are, but I’d be stoked to meet either one.
Dark or light? Grey.
