An Interview with Paige Russell
A few weeks ago I introduced you guys to Paige Russell. After the post, Paige agreed to give us an exclusive interview as she has finished with the glitz and glamor of this years ICFF.
Her work has a great sense of fun and excitement and after interviewing her I see where it all comes from.
Enjoy...
Anand: Could you start off by telling us a little about the "spouts" collection?
Paige: The spouts started out as an exploration of form. I started with a cup mold (one half of the tall spout) and sought to construct as many different pieces from that one shape as I could. (the Nestor votives were also born of the 'cup')
As I started looking at the forms that had come out of that little adventure, I was then moved to put spouts on most of them because of another habit of mine... personification. I have always personified objects. When I was little, if I ran into the coffee table accidentally I would apologize to it. So I started thinking about how pouring vessels in most dinnerware sets are major minorities. There's the t-pot, the creamer, & maybe if it's a fancy set, the gravy boat. I decided to make them a set of their own, where they are the big bosses. I am now working on developing smaller family units that will be more retail friendly (ie: tea set, water/juice set, sake set, soy sauce set, small succulents set, etc.)
Anand: I can only hope the smaller versions look as delicious. Did you ever have to restrain yourself from biting into one of those deliciously beautiful and marshmallowy forms ?
Paige: Mmmm... marshmellows.... yummy. It's funny you should ask that because one of my neighbors at the Design Mart (Yosuke Watanabe - super nice guy with lovely lamps) told me that he thought they looked like little cakes. Mmmm..... cake......
Anand: Glad to hear it's not just me... but they do look delicious. Could you walk us through the planning process you go through on a project like the "spouts" before getting your hands dirty in the studio ?
Paige: The spouts project was a 'make-as-I-go' process. The cup I used to create them however was, like most of my other projects, designed first on paper. I doodle sketch. Then I make illustrator drawings to scale that I print out & use to make my plaster wheel templates. I turn the model in plaster and then cast the working mold from the model. I love the slipcasting process because it is so precise and allows for a great deal of control over the final product. ( I am all powerful you little products..mwa ha ha.)
Anand: I think the slipcasting process appeals to my inner control freak as well. While on the subject of working in the studio... while working, do you listen to music ? If yes than what artists are on roatation ?
Paige: Yup, I sure do. I have different musical needs depending on the time of day and level of stress...
Let's see. Mornings usually require Ella Fitzgerald or Dean Martin - soft start oldy but goody stuff. Unless I'm super sleepy, then I need Harry Belafonte to get me going. Day time is owned by Bjork, Johnny Cash, Talking Heads, Steely Dan, Lucinda Williams, My Morning Jacket, Wilco, The Shins, Beastie Boys, Neil Diamond, Aimee Mann, OK Go, Tribe Called Quest.... And late night studio sessions absolutely require 80's hair metal - AC/DC, Motley Crue, Black Sabbath, Guns N Roses, Def Leppard, Ratt... I sing for an 80's metal cover band called Bone Cobra that at first was for giggles (and of course to get to wear wigs and tight pants), but now I have to admit to loving the music. It definitely gives me the energy I need to get the late night work done.
Anand: Wow...that's a kick-ass break down oh and please keep us posted on the adventures of Bone Cobra, I'm sure the readers will love to check you guys out.
Congratulations on being in this years ICFF. What was that like and how did it all go ?
Paige: Thanks so much and it was great!! I was so impressed with how well organized Designboom was! (Big thanks to Anita, Andy, and the lovely French girl who's name I cant' remember.) It made it really easy to set up and feel good about our part of the show. I was also really impressed with how many people sought us out at the way back of the building. It shows how supportive the design community is of the newbies. It was exciting to be a part of.
Anand: At any point did you feel star struck and had the urge to take photographs of any other designers or industry people there ?
Paige: The word on the Design Mart street was that Marcel Wanders breezed through, but I didn't see him. If I had, I might have tried some sneaky photography, (I'd be too embarrassed to ask or do it openly...) but I didn't get the chance. I mostly took pictures of my fellow Martians because they were all so lovely & fun. (oh and also because I couldn't leave my table long enough to get anywhere else really. I am considering growing a clone for next year, so I can see more of the show and still represent.)
Anand: Besides your own work, what really stood out to you at this years ICFF ?
Paige: I'm a big fan of Norman Copenhagen. I think there's something very subliminal/science about the hours it took me to put together one their lamps (which I adore) that programmed me to love them. Their very smart. I also loved Molo (go Canada!), Q collection of non-toxic eco-friendly children's furniture, Robert Langdon's delicately forceful porcelain mortar shell vases, my friend & Design Mart neighbor Jed Crystal's new bird houses... I could go on & on. There was a lot of beautiful & smart stuff there.
Anand: Nice! I wish I had the chance to make the trip over the pond... maybe next year. So do you have any cool new projects that your planning or working on at the moment ?
Paige: Right now I am trying to slow the idea train down a little so I can focus on getting my existing line out there. Once I get what I have up and running I plan to expand my jewelry line, finish a line of lighting I have been working on, and someday soon I hope to revisit indoor plant products (my secret passion). Putting one foot in front of the other. That's my biggest project...
Anand: Sydney is a great place to slow down and smell the roo-poo, do you have any future plans to visit us down under ?
Paige: My parents have been several times and I have wanderlusted after their photos. Someday...
Anand: Alright, last question...did this compelling interview make you want to mail me "samples" of your delicious collection... please don't be ashamed to ask for my mailing address ?
Paige: I would be happy to send an ambassador to your homeland. What is your address?
Anand: Sweet! Who says blogging doesn't have its perks. Thank you so much for taking time out for us Paige, and good luck with everyting in the future.
For more on Paige Russell, check out her site and my previous post on her 'spouts' collection.
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