black history month
i think diversity in design is something that's often overlooked, and i'm a prime example. in honor of black history month, i'm working on a piece for my inquirer column on african american designers (product and furniture) and can't seem to think of too many. so i thought i'd reach out to my knowledgeable audience and see if you knew of any african american designer that should be nominated? the results will be discussed on d*s as well as in my philly column next friday.
posted by design*sponge @ 8.2.06
12 Comments:
I can think of two right now: 1) Kenneth Wingard of Wingard Home. You've probably seen his Op Art designs; and 2) Jackie Thomas of 9 Pieces. He has a store out in Hudson NY. I'm pretty sure he designs furniture too. If I think of more I'll let you know!
Hi ,
Just read about architect Paul Williams in the latest O at home magazine. This was 18 early 1900's but he was one of the first.
there are always some good features on African American designers in O (Oprah) Home Magazine...
this may not be exactly what you were thinking of, but it's hard for me to think of any design that tops the work of the amazing quilters of Gees Bend...
Info on Black designers:
stephen burks of brooklyn: http://www.readymadeprojects.com/
you might also want to contact Perry Dixon of http://www.elseware.to
- the organization of black designers: http://www.obd.org (national)
-http://www.obdchicago.org/
-http://www.focusondesign.org/
as well as a cover story on black designers that was featured in Black Enterprise magazine: http://blackenterprise.com/
Also furniture designer, Alex Locadia (sp.) not sure what he's been up to lately.
Also interior designers:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0517599163/sr=1-1/qid=1139443515/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-5186354-7334425?%5Fencoding=UTF8
Demi Adeniran, interior and product designer, just opened up shop in Brooklyn. Fabrica LLC on Vanderbilt and St. Marks. no web site just yet.
Cheryl Riley, hard to describe her style but Africa meets Victorian would be a good start, cherylriley.com/furniture/index.html
Alex Locadia, Batman furniture collection, aggressive sofas, interior design too, afuture.com/flash.html
Tom Miller, black gay artist and furniture designer, famous for his painted furniture, marylandartsource.org/artists/detail_000000125.html
Let us not forget Lenny Kravitz is an interior designer, kravitzdesign.com
David Rice, industrial designer, rebrand.com/page.php/id/308
There's also an awesome Long Beach-based interior and furniture designer named Cain Leon, but sadly he doesn't have a website. But his sensibilities are modern and sleek. I have a few pieces of his I can email you.
I agree with Kelly,you should definately spotlight Gees Bend! They are amazing.
Organization of Black Designers
sheila bridges
http://www.sheilabridges.com/
www.berchuma.com
an ethiopian in america doing fantastic furniture design.
David Adjaye-the most amazing architect! He has a talent for interior architecture and finishes. His book is called 'Houses,' and is also beautifully designed.
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