Thomas Fuchs Creative Collections and P & G's The Children's Safe Drinking Water Initiative

When I read this description on Thomas' Biography and saw his neo-classical works I knew that this is a designer that  I had to feature at The Arts by Karena! 

"Art—in all of its infinite forms—is the catalyst for what Thomas Fuchs does. He’s a furniture designer, creator of stunning Venetian glass, an avid painter…and so much more. Art—is his passion. And that passion passes on through his work." 

Please enjoy our conversation and getting to know more about Thomas .

1)     Thomas, did you know from an early age that you were interested in being creative and the arts?  

        It was never a conscious thought.  I wish it was because then I could have stopped it and became a lawyer or banker.   Only kidding, I knew there was something in me pulling me but never put a name or function to it, I just always needed to create.

The fabulous Bollicine Chandelier

2) Would you tell our readers a bit about your background leading up to Thomas Fuchs Creative and Otium, your Lighting and Accessories Company? 

I was very fortunate to attend the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C. as well as the Art Student League and the National Academy of Design in New York City.

During my studies, I interned at C. G. Sloan, an auction house in Washington D.C., (this opportunity is an incredible education for a designer) after my graduation they hired me full time in the furniture department.  From there I went onto join Butterfield and Butterfield in San Francisco as an appraiser. After a few years, one of my client asked if I would move to LA to create a line of furniture, which I did.  I spent a few years in in Los Angeles but I got homesick for NYC. 

Lucky for me this happen to coincide with John Hutton, the Creative Director of Donghia requesting me to move back to New York and work with him.  Once back, John suggested we start working in glass, so they sent me to Italy where I worked closely with the factories to create our first collection.  When Donghia was eventually sold, I thought it would be a good time to leave and start my own lighting company, Otium.  That was a little over 10 years ago.   

The Disco Volante Candle Holder, Murano glass and 24 carat Gold Leaf 

3) Is travel one of your passions; I understand you spend a lot of time in Murano, Italy to oversee the art glass production. Where else do your travels take you?  

Travel is a big part of my life, both personally and professionally.  I always seem to fit factory visits in anywhere I go in the world especially if there is a glass factory within a 100 miles to where I am.  Being in a factory and working with the artisans is one of the best ways to learn about a culture, its beliefs, work mentality, etc.  My partner and I just returned from Africa which I love, I have been there a few times, in fact we visited 3 glass factories there, as well as the game parks and we “adopted” a couple of elephants in the sense that we made a donation to the game park.

The Lion Chandelier

4)   What inspired the new Butterfly Barware Collection which is making its debut at Saks Fifth Avenue this fall?  

I love the artistry of the precious and semi precious stone inlay done in India.  I thought a butterfly wing would lend itself to this craftsmanship.  I also tried to make the collection a little dark in spirit in that a butterfly spends so much time in the process of becoming a butterfly and then is only one for a short while.  But it is hard for people to see a butterfly as a dark subject matter.

The Butterfly Collection debuting at Saks Fifth Avenue this Fall

5) Who are some other artists and designers that you admire?  

Albert Hadley was not only a visionary I admired, I was also able to develop a friendship with him from a very early age.  I also love the kinetic energy a Calder sculpture creates and the realness of the texture Giacometti used in his work.   There are many, many more inspirations as well.

6) I was very excited to hear about your Foxware Glass Collection in the water wave pattern in collaboration with Proctor and Gamble.  Would you describe how this is going to benefit children in need?  When will this glassware be available to purchase and where? 

This collaboration is to benefit Proctor and Gamble's CSDW (Children's Safe Drinking Water) sustainability program. Clean water is the biggest commodity in the world. Enabling and supporting P&G's program by donation of funds through selling of these glasses will mean people will be able to get the kits to clean the water. This means women and children will not have to walk to wells daily freeing them time wise to be able to go to school.

Wave Glassware by Fuchs to benefit Children in need is in partnership with Proctor & Gamble. Every set of four glasses sold will bring $5 for the CSDW Program. Foxware is an artisanal home goods company  owned by Fuchs and creative collaborator Michou Mahtani. 

This special designed glassware will be available in Spring of 2015. http://foxware-nyc.com  Please visit at that time and make a purchase to assist in this great endeavor.

The Glassware Thomas created for P&G

Thomas at the Hotshop (Glassmakers Studio)

Fuchs first approached Proctor & Gamble about their Children's Safe Drinking Water Initiative after  seeing how a small packet of powder developed by P & G scientists  could transform even the dirtiest drinking water into pure water within minutes. It removes parasites and arsenic, while destroying common waterborne bacteria  and viruses.

Please do take some time to peruse Thomas's websites, Otium and Thomas Fuchs Creative. Enlarge the images so that you can see the incredible details of his works.

Much appreciation to Gwen Toline of GHT Communications for sharing this information about Thomas Fuchs and his artistry.

Thank you to my many friends and Followers who support The Arts!

xoxo

Karena 

The Arts by Karena


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Collected Cool by Interior Designer Jay Jeffers

Jay standing  in front of his shop Cavalier, filled with carefully curated handsome bespoke, antique and vintage items for the home. From Jay, I truly believe that if you surround yourself with beauty, you will be a happier person for it. So very true!

Jay Jeffers, a designer known for his bold use of saturated color, yet is a genius at the soft monochromatic room, because of the exciting elements he places throughout. As Diana Vreeland said, The Eye has to Travel, and yours will, alighting on unique and memorable pieces in each and every room Jay designs. Myself, I have counted well over a hundred precious finds that could easily drop from heaven and land beautifully into my home!

Jay opened his design business 14 years ago and has been a rising star in this highly competitive business ever since. He is  genuine, understated , and has the panache to bring his clients dreams to life! The great Albert Hadley has been an influence and inspiration to Jay.

Jay Jeffers new book, Collected Cool, The Art of Bold, Stylish Interiors , Forward by Jamie Drake. Published by Rizzoli and written with Alisa Carroll. Photography by Michael Millman.

This stunning book is divided into four sections, plus one about Cavalier the shop he and  partner MIchael Purdy have made into an experience for the senses.

He begins with the section Collected Cool, rooms thoughtfully layered over time through a multitude of unique details.

PLease click on any of the images to enlarge for detail

This image says it all An antique settee covered in a fresh icomic fabric, jeweled with gilt, scrolls, nailhead trim, bolstered with piping  in contrast and a luxe throw casually draped. Resting on a Santorini blue carpet. Can you picture yourself reading here with a glass of wine and Jays fabulous book!?  

Unabashed Glamour

I adore this room, staring with an almost ethereal fabric on the chairs, many would not venture to use; however it sets the tone for this exquisite room. The patina of old world pottery with sprays of fresh blooms, then there is Jay's almost terracotta shade of orange! Look at the curtain fabric and how the color backed book cases highlight the owners collections

Unabashed Glamour

Brilliant unadorned windows with painted moldings, the daybed generously proportioned and sumptuous. The sleek contemporary table. A masterful mix of luxe finishes, sumptuous materials, sophisticated glam!

Bold Bespoke

Of the many glorious master bedrooms featured in this tome, this is the one Jay created perfectly for my future villa at the sea. The Bespoke headboard, whimsical, yet elegant.  Birds fly across the Handpainted Fromental wallcovering. Murano glass lamps bring even more artistry!

Casual Chic

Always stylish, though comfortable and relaxed

A fresh Galbraith and Paul printed linen and red lacquer chairs, and a pedestal top of recycled glass make a perfect breakfast room

In this sky-high Russian Hill Home Jay has set the stage to showcase the owners stunning art collection

Jay on Art: 

Ultimately Fine Art, accessories, and personal objects are the souls of a room. Each piece brings its own energy to a space;it can set the mood or disrupt it in an unexpected but inspiring way.

I have the privilege of working with many clients to curate collections of fine art and objects, and whether their prized collections are wonderful things they picked up on their travels or family heirlooms, they speak of a life well lived

You will be thrilled at the collected works of art throughout the pages of this incredible book! There are Montages of artfully done elements, do take time to appreciate the details.

Jay also invites us into two of his and partner Michael Purdy's homes and what a treat!

There are persimmon hued walls in the living room with a hot pink lacquer table. Look at the lines of the gray velvet chairs. Then the gray and cream on the lower wainscot show how no detail is left to chance

Jay and his partner Michael Purdy with their faithful companion and shop namesake, Cavalier

The Cavalier attitude is Bold uncommon furniture, art and accessories.You will see many of Jay's own bespoke designs at Cavalier The shop is Thoughtful, Inspiring, and Adventurous!

Thank you Jay for this fabulous Springtime offering that will have us cherishing it throughout the year! Bravo!

You may reach Jay through Jay Jeffers Design Group 
 Please purchase his book Jay Jeffers  Collected Cool as it is a collectors item for your design library!

xoxo 

Karena

The Arts by Karena

Thank you to my friends and followers who support The Arts 

Publication and images received courtesy of Rizzoli New York

Please take time to peruse previous features in the Archives I know you will enjoy!