In Conversation with Martha Sturdy

Martha Sturdy

 

Most Islanders know of the Vancouverite artist, Martha Sturdy and her 30+ years of artistic endeavours. They know of her over scaled artwork and sculptures that are both bold yet minimalist, and her furniture and lighting designs that have taken not only locals, but the world by storm. She has donated large-scale works to public causes such as the Vancouver General Hospital and the Pemberton Sculpture project. Martha's designs are currently distributed by the highly regarded Baker furniture throughout the United States, on showrooms that concurrently house design sensations such as Barbara Barry and Andre Arbus. She's grown to be an international success, but her designs are still created in her Vancouver gallery/studio.

 

Martha works primarily with two types of materials (both independently and combinations thereof), resin and metal. Both mediums are prized for their unique characteristics and limitless design possibilities. Her inspiration and materials come from around the globe from her travels within North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa. But her design career begun on a much smaller scale; after completing her schooling at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Martha began designing jewellery. She was an instant hit with the public and fashion magazines alike, and began selling out of high-end department stores in New York.

 

Martha Sturdy Art

 

Fast forward to the late 1980s when Martha created her first collection of resin tabletop and home accessories, it was this launch that led to connections within industry giants, global clientele, and top designers - she participated in trade shows in Paris, New York and London. A new venture was born and Martha undertook larger projects: furniture pieces, which eventually led to her developing her earlier interest in sculpture in 2000.

 

Martha Sturdy – Art

 

In recent years, Martha Sturdy has received several honours: an Honorary Doctorate from Emily Carr University of Art + Design, an induction into the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (RCA), and a Golden Jubilee Medal from the Governor General of Canada. She has also graced the pages in many top magazines including NUVO, BCHome, a recent home feature in Architectural Digest, and being named 'one of the top 20 designers/artists to watch for in the next decade' by Metropolitan Home magazine.

 

As my readers know, I love promoting local talent and I couldn't be happier to have this interview with our local art world celebrity, Martha Sturdy. Please read on to get in on the conversation...

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

 

Martha Sturdy – As a very young child, around the age of five or six, I loved to spend hours outside creating elaborate structures in the dirt. I would design houses and cityscapes, and sculpt them out of whatever modest materials my yard had to offer.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - How would you describe your style?

 

Martha Sturdy – Clean, minimal and earthy. The latter is imperative; I believe modern design can be very unapproachable without an element of earthiness.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - I believe you have 2 signature materials, one being that wonderful resin that has your trademark name all over it and the other metal - I can already see the metal being a crucial part of your everyday life as a sculptor, but what is the story behind the resin?  What is the story behind that "aha" moment that has given you so much presence around the world?

 

Martha Sturdy – In my second year of sculpture studies at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, I took in invaluable class which covered metals, castings, wood and plastics. During the six weeks of plastic studies, we worked with Plexiglas, acetate and resin. That was extent of my formal training with the material, but I spent the next three decades perfecting my craft.

 

Martha Sturdy - Art

 

Iván Meade - I also believe that the fusion of these materials is really inspirational and showcases your work as art work, but also allows you to create everyday pieces with a sculptural quality. How was this transition for you? How were you able to create this full circle between being an artist, a jeweller, a product designer and finally becoming a sculptor once again?

 

Martha Sturdy – I have always had a penchant for the big and bold whether I was creating a bangle, a chair, a sculpture or an entire landscape, but as my career has naturally evolved I have been fortunate that my success has allowed me to return to my roots.

 

As I mentioned I studied sculpture in university, but as most young artists know, making a decent living as a contemporary sculptor can prove to be extremely difficult. Jewellery was a marketable transition that allowed me to work with the fundamentals of my education on a much smaller and affordable scale. In the early 90s, I began to experiment with larger designs which included home accessories, furniture and more recently art for art’s sake.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

 

Martha Sturdy – Technology, and how it facilitates communication between the international design communities, is very exciting. Social media is becoming an important tool for artists and designers, and the opportunities for collaboration and promotion have never been more accessible. I have yet to commit to all of these new medias, but interviews like this and my upcoming guest blogs on Baker Furniture’s “The Language of Style” are amazing new ways for me to connect.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - If you could pick one word to describe your work, what would it be?

 

Martha Sturdy – Strong.

 

Martha Sturdy – Art

 

Iván Meade - You have accomplished something very unique when one sees a piece of yours, it doesn’t matter if it is a furniture piece, a bowl, or an over scaled sculpture, they all evoke emotion.  All these pieces have been created by you.  How do you achieve this emotional resonance with your pieces?

 

Martha Sturdy – Thank you, Ivan! That’s very kind of you to say. Throughout my career, I have had an incessant desire and ability to stay true to myself. My process is visceral and my statements are both personal and honest. I suppose it’s that unwavering authenticity that evokes emotion.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade -Your sculptures are teeming with lavish and inviting textures. Why is texture such an integral component of your work?

 

Martha Sturdy – My designs are minimal so texture is imperative! Texture relaxes my aesthetic and ads and an earthy, soft and even sexy complexity.

 

Martha Sturdy – Art

 

Iván Meade - Do you think becoming a successful designer has hurt your credibility as an artist?  As we all know, the art community doesn't like commercialism or success via sales. 

 

Martha Sturdy – It’s very possible. Society tends to pigeon hole. I consider myself a renaissance woman with a broad skill set, and I refuse to be limited to the constraints of one medium. I strive to be creative in all aspects of my life - not just art and design, but my garden, cooking, wardrobe and of course, my environment.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - What do you do to keep inviting the inspiration to come - Do you have other passions that recharge your creative juices?

 

Marta Sturdy – I try to divide my time equally between the city and the country. To be honest, it’s the latter - the other half of my life - that keeps me truly inspired. I have no desire to be exclusive to art. Nature, animals, travel and family are endless sources of inspiration.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - What is your next design venture?

 

Martha Sturdy – I’m not quite ready to say.

 

Martha Sturdy – Home

 

Iván Meade - Lastly, You have already gone through many transformations with your work and found great success, what would you like your legacy to be?

 

Martha Sturdy – Legacy is a difficult thing to predict… but I would love if my example influenced a woman to work hard at her passion and succeed. If I can do it, anyone can.

 

Martha Sturdy – Art

 

I invite you to visit Martha Sturdy’s website at:

 

 

 

Martha Sturdy art and home products are locally available at:

Emporia on Government St and The Gallery at Mattick’s, in Cordova Bay.

 

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria –www.meadedesigngroup.com

Eye Candy of the Week – Jonathan Adler by Lacoste

Jonathan Adler

 

PRODUCTS

Polo Shirt, Ping Pong Rackets, Bargellos, Tennis-racquet carrier, Pillows and Special Edition Lacoste Ceramic Crocodile.

 

MANUFACTURER

Lacoste

 

DESIGNER

Jonathan Adler

 

MATERIAL

Piqué Knit Cotton, Various

 

DESCRIPTION

Another great collaboration for the House of Adler and French design power house Lacoste.  We may pick up tennis or ping pong just to wear these fun and fresh ensembles!  We will have to wait until November when these beauties are made available to the public.

 

Lacoste has revealed at Paris Fashion Week a partnership with designer Jonathan Adler, a limited-edition run of polo shirts that gives the iconic René Lacoste French brand Adler's distinctive "happy chic" twist.

 

Instead of an applique sewn onto the shirt, the "Limited Edition" polos by Jonathan Adler have an actual needlepoint crocodile sewn onto the shirts by French nuns. Each of those will be sold packaged inside a Bargello  (embroidered) needlepoint tennis-racquet carrier rocking a silhouette of the crocodile against a classic Adler patterned background.

 

PRICE TAG

$ 150.00

$ 250.00

Limited Edition (price still to be determined)

 

YUMMY FACTOR

C’est Formidable!!!

Eye Candy of the Week – Philippe I by Casamania

 

 

 

 

 

PRODUCT

Philippe I – Cafe Tables

 

DESIGNER

Sam Baron

 

MANUFACTURER

Casamania

 

COLLECTION

Philippe I is a mini-collection of ‘gueridon’ or small tables and café tables.

 

MATERIALS

Lime-wood, MDF, walnut

 

COLOURS

black/mirrored glass; white/extra-clear transparent glass

 

DIMENSIONS

low side table: L/W 42 P/D 42 H 42
tall side table: L/W 39 P/D 39 H 52

 

DESCRIPTION

With references to the 18th century French cabinetry tradition coupled with an attention to detail, these collection of ‘gueridon’ tables are that type of pieces that I love, as they work seamless with traditional or contemporary styles.

 

Sam Baron, created these tables that in my personal opinion share the same design aesthetic of Philippe Starck or Jaime Hayon pieces.  Pieces that have their own language, but a clear inspiration from the past.

 

I would love to use groups of these pieces in different sizes and finishes.  How would you use these tables?

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Nectarous!!!

IN CONVERSATION WITH GRANT K. GIBSON

Grant K. Gibson

Grant K. Gibson doesn't necessarily fit into a box when it comes to design style. But that is by no means a drawback! He masterfully executes designs that are traditional, modern, youthful, eclectic, or rustic - but they are always immaculately well done. And wouldn't you know, he's a witty blogger too?

Grant founded Grant K. Gibson Interior Design in 2002 and now works across the continent with offices in San Francisco and New York. The firm strives to create spaces that are direct representations of his clients, without any imposed nuances or elements that are not befitting of their personalities. 'No project is too large or two small in our eyes" says the company profile, as well as a firm stance on attention to detail and customer service and satisfaction.

Our readers have most likely heard of Grant before, he has had numerous features in Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, and Better Homes & Gardens. He has also received prestigious positioning within these pages, including being names as one of "The 10 Designers to Watch" in Domino, and the "5 Designers to Watch" in Elle Décor.

His blog has also been well-received, Grant's focus is typically design-related, but he certainly touches on other elements of his life including his love of fashion, food and travel.

He is a true design star and we are thrilled to get his input for our 'In Conversation With' series, read on to get in on the conversation…

Ivan Meade - What was your first experience by design?

Grant K. Gibson - I would have to say that my first design experience was designing my childhood bedroom. Even at a really young age, I was always changing things around and moving things, painting the walls and taking up carpet to show the hardwood floors hidden under.

My path to design really started when I was in college studying for a degree in psychology (which has totally come in very handy in interior design) I was on the path to become a psychologist when a good friend told me about an art history class that she thought that I should sit in on. Before the end of the lecture, I had already made up my mind that I was going to switch majors. That really started my love of art and architecture and design. In New York, I then interned and worked a few antique stores and then started to do my own apartment as well as friends who liked the way that I did my apartment.

I then thought, why not try to do my own thing and start my own company in interior design. The dream was then born and then I ended up moving to San Francisco, where I really started to get serious about my design company. New York always holds a spot in my heart, so I am happy that I can have the best of both words and work between both cities with offices in both New York and San Francisco.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade – What is the most practical thing you own and what is the most rare?

Grant K. Gibson - I think that the most practical piece that I own is a custom table that I designed with a very tailored slipcover over it. I love that it can serve as a desk or table and I can make a mess with paperwork or books or fabrics, but then at the end of the day, I can put things in baskets and hide them away. Under the table, I also have a small file cabinet for important papers and a printer. I don't like to look at those things, so it is wonderful to keep those things hidden.

As for the most rare piece that I own. It would be a Beidermeir secretary that I have in my dining room. I purchased it around 5 years ago as a birthday treat to myself. It was from a dealer in New York. I simply fell in love with it and just bought it on the spot. It was the most spontaneous purchase that I have ever made, but I look at it everyday and it makes me smile.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What should every room have in it?

Grant K. Gibson - Every room should have good lighting. With this, I suggest having everything on dimmers. This is from the overhead lighting and table/floor lamps. Lamps that are on too bright are too harsh.

I also think that it is key to have a layering of lighting, so that it is not all from one light source. The layering adds dimension and depth to a space. Bad lighting can really kill a room.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What do you think the homes of today are missing?

Grant K. Gibson - Were do I start? Architectural details? History? creativity and originality? I don't understand builders that construct new houses that have horrible construction or lack of architecture at all. These details really help to make a space. When I say creativity or originality- by this I mean I see lots of people with these cookie-cutter designs. They have what everyone else has. This is the problem that we face with so many big companies. I feel like creating custom, fine crafted pieces are like pieces of art and make a space feel unique and individual. I am not suggesting that a whole house has to be custom, but mixing styles and sources and making it your own is what I think is interesting about a space.

An interior is about the people that live in them. It should reflect their lifestyle- how they live and what they like.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What do you look for in a furniture piece?

Grant K. Gibson - Like we just talked about with custom design, I tend to do a lot of custom pieces for my clients. When I look at pieces or am working with my vendors to create pieces, I am looking for quality and something that is timeless. I like pieces of furniture to be able to last for many years. If someone gets tired of the fabric, it can be re-covered.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - One of the elements that I really like about your design aesthetic is that you always use real art in your projects and elements with old world patina - Is this part of your design philosophy?

Grant K. Gibson - Thank you. I do like to mix in things with a touch of old world charm. Trust me, not all of my clients like that look at all. I like to think of myself a traditionalist- but a new traditionalist. I love and respect things that come from the past, but I like to mix them up and play with things and make them more current today. I like to keep things light and not to heavy handed. I think of this as being not the way that your parents or grandparents would have had. I work with a lot of young couples that want to keep it fresh and fun. I do like to add an element of humor and surprise if I can to every project. I would say overall that I have an eclectic style and have really enjoyed learning and pushing the limits with my clients over the past years.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What is your approach to lifestyle and design?

Grant K. Gibson - I wake up everyday and I pinch myself. I have been very fortunate in life and I love what I do. So many people have jobs that they are not passionate about. My job keeps me on my toes (and can be a challenge for sure). It's not like all I do is go shopping and pick out pretty things all day long. I think that overall, I have a pretty positive outlook and attitude on life. I am a pretty relaxed and funny person. This I feel like reflected in the designs that I work with in my client projects. I am pretty clear with my clients from the start that there will be delays and always some issues along the. I like to tell them that really there is no such thing as a "design emergency". At the end of the day, we still have people without jobs, children starving in the world and so many other things to think about. It is not that I am a lazy designer and make excuses at all, I take each project very seriously. I just feel that we don't leave this world with any of the things that we have collected or purchased. Buying things doesn't solve problems or at the end of the day make people happy.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade – You seem to really enjoy blogging, which is part of what makes your blog so much fun to read. What is your favourite thing about blogging?

Grant K. Gibson - For me, my blog is very one sided. It is pretty much about me and my life. I don't really blog too much on other designers or use recycled photos of spaces. I love writing about my travels and my projects that I am working on. I have loved connecting with other designers and bloggers out there. That part has been wonderful to meet other people that are interested in the same things.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade – It’s great that you share some of your personal life with your bloggers as well, such as your own personal and clients projects. What has that process been like?

Grant K. Gibson - When I started my blog, I started it so that I could share photos of a trip to Paris with friends back home. I thought that it was a way that I could put up photos and talk about my time. After returning home, I thought about it and I decided to just start writing more and keep it up. That was around 3 years ago. For me it has been an amazing tool to put myself out there and for people to get to know me more. I have actually found many clients because of it. They have told me that they felt like that were able to get to know me more by reading my blog. By my cooking or traveling or all of my adventures. I think that often a website is static and it doesn't get updated very often. A blog is meant to get updated frequently (I try to blog once a week) and be up to date.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What is the best advice (design related or otherwise) that you have ever received?

Grant K. Gibson - Years ago, a very wise and well known design in this industry told me to: Never forget that you are the designer and they are the client and not to live the same lifestyle that the client does. He meant that so many designers get caught up in the design world and end up trying to live the same lifestyle that the client does. This designer also told me to give the client what they want. That has been key for me. There are times that I might not like exactly what they have selected. I have to remember that they are the ones that will be living there at the end of the project- not me.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What does it feel like to be announced as one of Top 5 Designers to watch in America by Elle Décor Magazine?

Grant K. Gibson - I am still on top of the world from this. I have been reading Elle Decor forever. I always had big dreams of being published in the pages of Elle Decor one day. When Margaret Russell picked up the phone to call me to tell me that she wanted to select me as one of the Top 5 designers to watch- I nearly dropped the phone.

I feel honoured and know what a special and unique being selected by Elle Decor is. To be honest, my life hasn't been the same since. I have received a great group of wonderful new clients and I couldn't be happier.

Interior Design by Grant K.Gibson

Iván Meade – What is next for Grant K. Gibson Interior Design?

Grant K. Gibson - Well, I am always playing with the idea of a line of fabric and furniture and I have actually started a book. All of which might take me years to complete. I am in no rush and I am not going anywhere!

West Coast Social Media Awards – Best Blog Nominee

 

 

PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SUBMIT YOUR SUPPORT

Wall Wood Panelling

Wood panelling can be a very effective architectural element in adding instant appeal and memorability to a room.  I have to say that  even If I really like wood panelling I am not fond of the 70’s cedar wall panelling you can see far too often in homes here on the West Coast.  That’s just wood on the wall.  However, in the hands of a skilled designer or architect the results can be outstanding.

 

Here are some examples of my favourite contemporary uses of wood panelling and that clearly reflect the designers point of view and aesthetic.

 

Via Axis Decorative Arts

 

I love the use of the round window as a focal point and the mix of a large flat panel and the grid panels next to it.  It definitely adds warmth and interest to the room, creating a solid background for the rest of the elements.

 

Via Ike Kligerman Barkley

 

The panelling in this dining room is asymmetrical, but does not overwhelm the space as it has been painted the same colour as the wall.  I also love how the light fixture relates to the panels at the right side and center with the lower panels..

 

Via B.Gluckstein

 

This is one of my favourite wall panelling's applications I have seen – It follows the curve of the wall playing off the traditional crown mouldings against the modern vibe of the symmetry and creates a very interesting juxtaposition.  It is classic yet is contemporary.

 

Via Thad Hayes

 

The panelling in this room is very quiet – It reinforces the focal point in the room and as you can see the panelling doesn’t go wall to wall which gives the room added depth and dimension.

 

Via Axis Decorative Arts

 

This wall panelling creates a resonance and a sense of rhythm that makes the space feel comfortable. It is an excellent backdrop for the beautiful collection of French furnishings and sculptures.  The panelling also gives the room ‘permission’ to not fill every wall with art, the panelling is art in itself.

 

Via William Sofield

 

This is an example where  luxury and elegance can be found in one image at Tom Fords NY boutique.   With strong references of the Art Deco era but with contemporary design in mind, this ebony panelling is simply epic. 

 

Via Kelly Wearstler

 

For all my Westies,  this is a wall panelling at an angle.  This panelling in bleach walnut is sophisticated and a great backdrop for the art collection.

 

Via Barbara Barry

 

God is in the attention to detail.  The back panelling adds dimension and almost a contrast texture to the furnishings.  It is very soft and enduring – I just want to sit in that room and enjoy myself.

 

Via Orlando Díaz-Azcuy

 

A great solution for a free standing wall – The effect of this wall panelling adds presence to the room.  It is the only strong colour in the room which makes it perfect as a focal point.  This paneling also resonates with the ceiling beams reinforcing symmetry with the fireplace and asymmetry in the room.  There is an extra panel in the left side – Did you notice that? 

 

Via Kelly Wearstler

 

A contemporary interpretation of the traditional panelling is something you can see in any Château. The geometric elements of the panelling add the architectural voice to the room that otherwise would be unclear.  This panelling is the warm and defining backdrop for the eccentric collection of furnishings and art.

Art in Bloom 2011 – “Design Fit for a King”

This year Meade Design Group have been very fortunate to be invited by the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria to reinterpret an art piece of their permanent collection in a botanical extravaganza as part of their annual exhibition Art in Bloom.

 

 

Leading creative professionals in the field of design were selected to celebrate spring creating unique floral interpretations.  We were assigned a stunning  oil painting in canvas by Theresa Victoria Wylde (circa 1909) entitled “This Is The World, And I Am King…”  (127” height X 137.5 width). Our interpreted  title for the exhibit is  “Design Fit For A King”.

 

Description

The central figure is a young girl with long wavy black hair who wears a purple gingham dress with a purple over-dress; she is sitting in a forest by a stream, holding an apple(orb) in one hand & a foxglove(septre)in the other; she has a 'crown' of evergreen boughs with cones in her hair; a squirrel sits nearby, watching her.

- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

 

We were inspired by the description of the painting and we also wanted to display all our strengths as a multidisciplinary design studio.  We designed 3 pieces for the installation.  The first idea that came to my mind when I saw the piece was “ethereal” – I wanted to create an installation that was light and complemented the painting.

 

The first piece we designed was a massive Plexiglas cube to encase the antique chest that was below the painting.  As an interior designer I felt that the scale of the chest was not big enough to hold the visual weight of the painting, so we corrected the proportions and the scale of the chest with a new Plexiglas structure making the chest look like an archived piece.  We also incorporated a modern interpretation of some of the elements of the painting with contemporary graphics. Our design complemented the William Morris wall paper  showcasing our strengths in Graphic Design.  Natashita brought to life our ideas choosing an opalescent metallic vinyl that complemented the colour scheme of its surroundings.

 

 

The second piece we designed was a Plexiglas plinth that mimic the proportions of the chest. We cover the face of the plinth with the same vinyl we used in the cube below to continue the flow.  As for the 3rd piece we designed the flower vase which references the foxglove flower in the painting. 

 

 

Artist Statement

We were inspired by the strong vertical line created by the foxgloves held by the girl in this painting. We wanted an organic, linear form to overlap the painting asymmetrically to create a strong, contemporary vignette that still works with this traditional piece.

We used a combination of anemones, tube roses, double tulips, mosses and greens accented by drumstick alliums and fuchsia trachelium. We wanted to build up a woodland feeling with berries, mosses and greens, but still have interesting forms and textures with more exotic accents. This is reinforced by the golden graphic that has been applied to the acrylic base which encases the trunk.

 

 

Mini Flower Bouquets

 

Here is Echito our flower arranger extraordinaire.

 

Adjusting last minute details.

 

And here it is the complete installation.

“Design Fit For A King”

 

We want to extend our gratitude to Plexiklass, Rook and Rose, Brenda Marks – Kravet, and Garside Signs and Displays for all their help, patience and guidance to make this project come together.

 

If you are in Victoria don’t miss the hottest ticket in town!

 

Art in Bloom 2011 - a week long celebration of fine art and all things botanical. The bi-annual fundraiser heralds the beginning of spring to Vancouver Island, and supports exhibitions and programming at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Art in Bloom highlights the talents of local and international artists, writers, floral designers and garden experts.