mdby……LINDSEY ADELMAN

A1_Branching Burst_detail_photo by Lauren Coleman

A2_Hot shop_Michiko Sakano_photo by Lauren Coleman

A3_Hot shop_photo by Lauren Coleman

A4_Studio shot_detail_photo by Lauren Coleman

A5_Studio shot_detail_photo by Lauren Coleman

A6_Studio shot_detail3_photo by Lauren Coleman

A7_BB.08.03_detail_copper finish_photo by Lauren Coleman

A8_BB.05.01

A9_BB.14.01_photo by Lauren Coleman

It is great the work made by Lindsey Adelman Studio, the modular systems that she uses in the design of her lamps and all the work she does with craftsmen for their production….

What does light mean to you?

I am interested in designing for this immaterial substance. Chandelier design is really about calculating form to create effects with light. I still am quite seduced by the process.

How did you begin?

I began playing around with electrical parts I could find and combining with more precious materials.

How was the process working with the metal artisan to get to “industrialized” the metal pieces that are part of your lighting collection?

I have a degree in Industrial Design which provided a terrific foundation to approach machine shops to engineer the parts further. I really love designing systems that can be used in endless combinations.

All the elements that take part in your objects are very important, because they are reduced to minimum, but working with glass, as each globe will be different, makes each unit unique?

Yes each globe varies by nature which makes each fixture unique.

How is working with Michiko Sakano? She does a great job. Do you design glass shapes and give them to her to get them fabricated or does she participate on the design?

For globes she fabricates them but helped to develop the process to arrive at the right form. For other Collections, like Catch, Michiko is very deeply involved.

You use glass with several finishes, milky or white; for the structure, you use brass, cooper, bronze, aluminium, high gloss black or white, and there are a few in which you incorporate colour, the two last ones, “Marina Illuminati” and “BB.14.05”, why you do not use colour often? What means colour for you?

I use color sparingly. But keep returning to gray, red, and pink.

What is the philosophy of your firm?

To design and build with care.

Have you ever had a mentor that has supported and guided you?

I learned so much working with David Weeks from 1999-2004.

How your ideas come up? Which ones are your sources of inspiration? Are you influenced by anyone?

Some examples of inspiration: I am influenced by walking on the beach, clothing by Tsumori Chisato, and sculpture by Calder and Richard Tuttle.

Which ones have been the best and the worst moments of your professional life?

Best: I love being in the flow of working on an idea. I love process. This is why I keep going back to it – it is a high and there is magic in the place where you can’t see the end.

Worst: EMAIL.

Which would be your ideal project?

My favourite project right now is designing a set for the next video I am shooting.

What is beauty for you?

Authenticity.

Tell us how a normal day in your work is

Take my son to school, meditate, return emails, meet with staff and clients, eat a kale wrap for lunch, more meetings, sketching, making he rounds to say hello to my 20 employees, email, put out any fires, go home.

Which one has been your biggest success?

I really enjoyed the porcelain chandelier installation we just completed at the Peninsula Hotel in NY.

What is your biggest dream for the future?

To continue to support Robin Hood Foundation fighting poverty in NYC. To screen my video in the spring and keep making more.

Any advice?

Follow what you love.

Images by Lauren Coleman

25.10.13