Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 37
Occupation: Ceramic artist/designer.
Instagram: @dannykaplanstudio
Hometown: New York.
Studio location: Brooklyn.
Describe what you make: Sculptural ceramic lighting and furniture.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The first lamp I ever made was important to me. That lamp has continued to evolve since its first incarnation, which is something I really love of the process of ceramics and designing handmade objects. I’m able to see the evolution of my skills along with how my understanding of the material has grown as I’ve pushed certain ideas further. Each piece is different and informed by the one that came before it.
Describe the problem your work solves: Not sure I’m solving a problem per se, but my work can change the mood, tone, and feeling of a room or environment, especially the lighting.
Describe the project you are working on now: Working on a new series of small tables, chairs, and stools. Incorporating color and developing new finishes launching in the fall.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I collaborated on a series of ten hand-painted lamps with Brazilian artist Bruno Grizzo. I designed and produced the forms and Grizzo layered glaze and underglaze in his unique style. He’s so talented and the results are incredible. No official launch date yet!
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Disco music, research books, sketchbooks, and almonds.
What you do when you’re not working: Very much excited to spend time with friends and connect IRL this summer.
Sources of creative envy: Not envy but awe. The Giacomettis, Valentine Schlegel (who just passed), Barbara Hepworth, and so many more but those are on my mind today.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Negative self-talk.
Concrete or marble? Depends on the application.
High-rise or townhouse? Beach house.
Remember or forget? Always remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Puppies
Dark or light? Balance.
