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December 14th, 2008
Q&A With Artist and Designer Susan Benarcik
DM
Susan Benarcik is an installation artist and surface designer based in New York City. Deeply rooted in horticulture and design, her concern for the environment is made evident in her 3-dimensional sculptural installations, and surface designs. Part printmaker and part sculptor, Benarcik designs contemplative compositions for interior and exterior applications. The artist’s ultimate goal is to provide environmentally inspired and efficient design that introduces echoes of nature into our every day lifestyle. Benarcik takes elemental forms of the natural world into her studio and carefully transforms them by stacking, stringing, layering, knotting, and weaving them into dimensional sculpture for public and private spaces.
So we decided to sit down with Susan and get her perspective on; modern design trends, colors, and of course some interior design tips! ;
Where do you get the ideas behind your textile designs?
"Most of my ideas come from natural forms and textures ie; roots, algae, leaves, coral, and beehives. I’m intrigued by and will spend many hours documenting natural forms and patterns found in gardens, mossy woods, on beaches and in urban environments too."
How would you best describe the style of your textile designs and what type of design scheme do you see them best fitting into?
"While the majority of my designs are nature based, I would hesitate to categorize my surface designs as limited to one specific class or genre. They focus on organic compositions, and seemingly random patterns. These basic elements are found in all living forms and tend to connect and comfort us on both conscious and unconscious levels."
You incorporate a lot of nice color schemes into your textiles. What tips would you lend to someone trying to pick the appropriate color schemes when putting together a room or trying to match drapes with a rug etc?
"Colors are powerful, I think the secret to a winning combination is balance and subtlety. I'd stay away from trying to “match“ colors - you will only end up disappointed for a number of reasons. Secondly, don’t try to live with colors you wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing. My advice is to go with your gut feeling and avoid trends. If you can look beyond trends, your instincts will tell you which colors you as an individual find comfort in."
How much of your own artwork do you currently have in your own home?
"My home has very little of my artwork, it is my place for reflection. Chairs are covered with natural linen or canvas, walls are relatively sparse with a raw finish, and wood furniture is unpainted. On these neutral surfaces, I can project the designs in my mind. I prefer to place natural artifacts, like crab shells, seed pods, or driftwood in places where one usually finds art - under domes, on shelves, walls and pedestals."
How would you describe your style of interior decorating?
"My style of interior decorating is uncomplicated, intuitive and mutable. This allows freedom for generating new ideas, directions and combinations. I prefer setting the stage with large elements that have perennial style; cabinets, couches, wall units, large tables and other pieces of necessary furniture that resound in their own simplicity. Then, compose a sense of place for the inhabitants by adding intriguing smalls, such as lamps, rugs, urns, time pieces, textiles and etc.."
How do you see modern art and design evolving over the next 5 - 10 years?
"Art and Design are already good friends; the boundaries between art and design are becoming very fine. Artists, designers and scientists are forging new relationships as collaborators to generate responsible artwork, design, and products. We are increasingly aware of our effects on the environment and have realized the necessity for such collaborative efforts. I feel a conscious desire to become more efficient, and redirect the course of our ecological situation."
You obviously have a lot of experience in commercial design as well. How do you feel the process and ideas differ in that setting versus the approach taken by an independent designer such as yourself?
"My background in fine art plays a large part in my process; imbued with irregularities, or a sense of ”hand made” my designs appear less like an edition, and more like an original. We all value something original and unique. Today, commercial design, with the help of artists and designers is responding to the needs of the conscious consumer. For example look at Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and now Terrain. They have a unique vision, and amazing product."
Lastly (and most importantly) what is your favorite rug carried at DomesticModern.com?
"The Aztec Grey and BlackRug"
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