MCL2 B (Floor Lamp). Image courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery
MCCT1 (Coffee Table). Image courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery
Les Amants 1. Image courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery
DESIGNER OF THE DAY

Designer of the Day: Martin Laforêt

Martin Laforêt illustrates the intimate relationships shared between materials. A brand-new body of work, inspired by industrial architecture and currently on display at Carpenters Workshop Gallery London, achieves this through unlikely material pairings—by incorporating concrete molds and casts as part of the end result, the Design Academy Eindhoven graduate lends a sense of harmony to opposing forces.

Martin Laforêt illustrates the intimate relationships shared between materials. A brand-new body of work, inspired by industrial architecture and currently on display at Carpenters Workshop Gallery London, achieves this through unlikely material pairings—by incorporating concrete molds and casts as part of the end result, the Design Academy Eindhoven graduate lends a sense of harmony to opposing forces.

Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.

Age: 29

Occupation: Artist and designer.

Instagram: @martinlaforet

Hometown: Paris.

Studio location: Paris.

Describe what you make: I design and produce functional sculptures.

MCT1 (Side Table). Image courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery
MCL2 B (Floor Lamp). Image courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery

The most important thing you’ve designed to date: So far, I consider my last collection, “Inside Out,” currently on view at Carpenters Workshop Gallery in London, as the most achieved design. Nevertheless, I see my occupation as a road, and it’s very probable that the next collection will stimulate me even more.

Describe the problem your work solves: My work challenges me every day. I produce all my designs myself—what I like at the moment is to resolve technical problems linked to production.

Describe the project you are working on now: Many at the moment, and I’m also busy with the production of my previous design. I’m working on a new collection inspired by highways. I find roads fascinating as much for what they mean, for how they’ve been made than for the materials they’re made of. I’d like to make a collection of objects that share the feeling I get when I travel on a brand-new road.

A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I have two ongoing projects that I can’t talk about. Unfortunately, both have been delayed because of the current situation. I hope I’ll be able to say more soon.

MCL2 A (Floor Lamp) and MCV2 (Chair). Image courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery
MCCT1 (Coffee Table). Image courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery

What you absolutely must have in your studio: I’m sharing my studio with the designers Lea Mestres and Thomas Ballouhey. This is what I prefer in the workplace!

What you do when you’re not working: Chilling with my friends, but also cooking, gardening (vegetables), and doing ceramics with ancient techniques. 

Sources of creative envy: Toshio Shibata, Bruno Gironcoli, Lee Hun Chung, Niki de Saint Phalle, Constantin Brancusi, Vincenzo de Cotiis, Le Facteur Cheval, Aubry Broquard, Wang Keping, Jaume Plensa, Henry Moore, most medieval sculptures, and actually almost everyone.

The distraction you want to eliminate: It feels good to be distracted.

MCL2 D (Table Lamp), Rubber Lamp, MCCT1 (Coffee Table), and Les Amants 1. Image courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery
Les Amants 1. Image courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery

Concrete or marble? Concrete!

High-rise or townhouse? Anything with a garden.

Remember or forget? Remember.

Aliens or ghosts? Aliens, of course.

Dark or light? Light.

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