Photo by Oona Moyer
How would you describe your personal style? It's a hard thing to put my finger on, really. I've been designing furniture for 15 years now, and the elements and styles that have been exciting to me keep changing. For a while, a lot of my enthusiasm had to do with combining tones and materials, so things got sort of fancy, just as a result of exploration. Now it's all moving in an earthier direction, I think- a bit more understated. So if I had to guess where I'm headed.. maybe "brutalist surf shack"?
Do you remember the first thing you made? I made a chair called the "Hug Machine." I was reading about Temple Grandin at the time. I had just taken a job in my future ex-husband's shop, so I made it mostly out of offcuts that no one else wanted, and as a result, it was a mix of different types of wood. Sort of a wooden rainbow. I tried to burn it recently, but my ex pulled it out of the burn pile and hung it on the wall at the woodshop- so now I look at it constantly. I think have grown to appreciate it more over time.
Before I started making I... Did a lot of daydreaming.
If I weren't a maker, I'd be... A filmmaker! A writer. A therapist?
Favorite quote or words to live by: Festina Lente: "make haste, slowly." I used to always be in a hurry, which often led to spinning out. These days, I'm leaning into patience and steadiness, and organization! I'm not totally there yet, but the process of trying to get there has been enjoyable.
If you could collaborate with one person dead or alive who would it be? JB Blunk. His work was so drastically different from mine, but I think we might have shared a similar initial approach.
What are you most thankful for? Oh my gosh, all the amazing people in my community, and also my family, of course. The people around me give me so much hope, and cause for cheer and optimism in this incredibly turbulent time that we're living in.
What would be on your “maker’s soundtrack? Jake Xerxes Fussell, Amen Dunes, Arthur Russell, Cate Le Bon, Bonnie Prince Billie, Nick Cave, Lankum.
If you could learn a new skill what would it be? How to fly a plane. Or play drums.
What’s your favorite movie? Recently, I'd say La Chimera. (Dir. Alice Rohrwacher) I could never pick an all time favorite!
What is your perfect day? Any day that ends with me floating in a calm sea at dusk, preferably in good company. Spending some time adventuring through a new place, sharing music back and forth with friends, and having silly conversations with my kids. And tapas.
Last book you read? Housekeeping, by Marilynne Robinson. I can't stop thinking about it.
What would your last meal be? If I know it's my last meal, maybe something pensive, like soup. If I'm unaware, probably fancy sushi with friends?
Favorite Scent? Petrichor
Favorite flower or tree? Live Oak
Favorite artist? Anyone younger than 7.
What is the most challenging project you have worked on? Why? Every trade show I've ever done. I have a tendency to be overly ambitious, and I'll begin 6 new pieces with the full conviction that I can finish all of them in 8 weeks.
What do you see outside your bedroom window? A giant white pine
What do you hear right now? The hum of an air conditioner and a worker skim-coating plaster.
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met? I didn't meet him, but I saw Michael Barbaro in the Tops checkout line recently and was completely starstruck. He was pushing one shopping cart in front, and pulling another behind, just sauntering along, with kids scampering at his heels. He was just as unflappable in real life as he sounds on The Daily.
What was the last gift you gave someone? I gave my Dad books for Father's Day. He's one of my favorite people to buy books for.
If money was not a factor how would you live your life? I would travel more, ideally on longer trips- 3 months in any given place. I would spend more time making films and playing music, and probably even cleaning... Maybe that last one sounds a little strange.
Favorite podcast? Heavyweight. Ezra Klein. The On Being episode with Nick Cave. Any interview with Will Oldham.
Best piece of advice you have ever received? To always grasp for what the subtext is. What are people truly saying, or asking for.
Any hidden talents? Being incapable of holding grudges.
Where did you grow up? Chapel Hill, NC
Favorite time of day? Dusk, especially if I have time to just sit with it. I love gardening as it gets dark.
Favorite holiday? Toss up between Halloween and April Fools Day.
What is your most treasured possession? A Jaguar electric guitar that a friend gave me.
What is your favorite family tradition? Evening walks on the beach in NC in summer.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Diplomacy.
What song best describes your work ethic? "Jubilee" It's an old song, but I love the Jake Xerxes Fussell version. It's about perseverance. Taking all the knocks life has to give, and learning to pivot.
Most interesting thing in your liquor cabinet? Homemade nocino from a friend!
Favorite thing to cook? Turkish Gozleme
What are you currently watching? The Bear.
How do you stay creative and inspired? I'm learning that taking breaks and resting is a big part of it. Also protoyping things that I actually need in my house- this is the best way to find my voice in something, as I am truly able to convince myself that no one else's opinion matters. Alternately, reading a great book or seeing a visually rich movie, or museum exhibit can get me fired up- anything can feed a vibe.
What is your favorite aspect of your job? Getting to dream things up and build them for the first time. It feels like being a kid- like really focused playing.
What is your favorite design era and why? Right now. I feel like the design horizon is wide open, and it's so exciting to watch the synthesis of everything that has come before- what elements will begin to pair together, and what new movements will spring from this scenario of complete saturation.
What’s the weirdest thing a client has ever asked you? "Will it be too rustic?"
What’s your design pet peeve? When things are over-designed. Also daylight color temp lightbulbs.
What’s a new hobby/skill that you have learned recently? I started singing Georgian polyphonic music with a group of people in my community, which has been a wildly beautiful experience.
