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Inspired by his travels and childhood memories, the Montreal-based designer creates objects that encourage interaction and discovery The designs of Loïc Bard are characterised by simple lines, organic shapes and subtle details that encourage people to integrate them into their lives. His Capside lamps, which he brought to London last month, are made up of a faceted shell and a colourful cord, combined in a design that entices the user to peek inside. Tell us about the Capside lamp? Capside lamp is my first mini-series of objects made in Canadian maple. I studied in a wood furniture art school and I particularly appreciate this type of wood for its hardness and light colour. The design was inspired by the shape of a virus and intended to explore the relationship between form and function. The abstract geometric form, with a wooden exterior and interior coated in vibrant colours, give the lamps a playful versatility. They can be used as floor lamps or ceiling pendants, which means users can be creative with them. Tell us about your approach to design? A trip to Japan two years ago had a profound impact on my aesthetic. The work I carried out during the first year in my workshop has its origins in the simplicity and strength of the objects, environments and people I encountered there. Recently my work has become impregnated with my childhood memories and people around me. My childhood on the family farm and the freedom to experience nature inspired the organic shapes of my objects. They tell the story of my life, but everyone can appropriate them and integrate their own experiences. In all my projects I try to combine my experimental approach with my traditional woodworking skills to create objects that are on the border between art and mass-produced design. How does you background influence your work? Before going to art school, I was an agronomic scientist. My background as a researcher influences my experimental approach to developing new products and inspires the organic forms and references of my objects. I finished art school at the Ecole d’Ebenisterie d’Art de Montreal in June 2012. Now I run a full-time design studio, where I am perfecting my woodworking skills, creating furniture and designing a collection of jewellery. What do you have planned next? I had my first solo show outside Canada at Clerkenwell Design Week last month. I will return to London for the design festival in September and will show my collection at 100% Design. At the moment, all my designs are produced by hand in my studio in Montreal. I would like to develop collaborations in Europe to produce some of my products. I also love to design one-of-a kind pieces, on the border between design and art – it would be great to work with architects and interior designers in Europe to develop new projects like this.
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Interview Debika Ray |
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