Based in Brighton, American artist James Burial primarily works with timber to create functional objects that merge the worlds of art and design. In an exclusive interview, he discusses his creative journey so far.
The Wiggle Hooks by James Burial bring a playful functionality to the home. Photography: James Burial Furniture
Words by Roddy Clarke
‘I’ve pretty much always been making art,’ comments James Burial when discussing his creative journey. ‘At a very young age I knew I wanted to be an artist, but it wasn’t until my late 20s that I started making crafted objects.’ After enrolling to art-welding classes in 2010, Burial then went on to create his first furniture pieces, leading to a sculptural and playful aesthetic he states has been referred to as ‘soft brutalist’. ‘My work is big, bulky and touchable, hopefully a lot more friendly than traditional brutalism,’ he says. ‘So much of my work wants to be felt.’
US Artist James Burial photographed in his Brighton workshop. Photography: James Burial Furniture
While now working primarily in wood, Burial began crafting his furniture from steel, which he states planted the seeds for a future career. From lamps to wall hooks and sculptural works, the wooden forms appear almost otherworldly with unexpected silhouettes and extrusions resulting in striking statements for the home. Speaking of how his aesthetic has developed, Burial says it was in response to his move to the UK from the US. ‘When I arrived, I went straight to building small, quirky sculptural lamps,’ he explains. ‘Looking back now, I think it was a direct response to feeling small in my new home and needing to make some sculptural art to address the disconnection I was feeling.’ Since becoming more settled in his hometown of Brighton, the artist has incorporated more colour into his work, another factor he says could be in response to the British weather!
Burial’s sculptural work blurs the boundaries of art and design while exuding an ethereal beauty. Photography: James Burial Furniture
Moving from the Mojave Desert, just outside of Joshua Tree, California, the transition into the UK was challenging and Burial has used his work as an outlet. ‘The environment, colours and humidity levels were all so different,’ he says. ‘However, some things felt very familiar and comforting. I found standing at the horizon of the sea a reminder of the openness of the desert – which was needed as at first, I felt overwhelmed by the buildings and the clouds.’ His latest creations, the Wiggle Hooks exude cheer and joy and it is clear to see how the designer takes stimulus from his surrounding environments.
Drawing on technology to create his imaginative works, Burial has found such advances liberating. ‘I draw out my designs initially on paper, even if just a doodle, as I find that’s the best way for me to create,’ he reveals. ‘I then use 3D modelling programs to help with ironing out any details that may cause a hassle down the line. Sometimes I just need to see the design and spin it round on the computer before I really like it.’ Burial also utilises CNC machinery within the production process to create complex jigs and precise cuts for pieces that would otherwise be time prohibitive. ‘I’d rather have my vision actualised more quickly than make every cut by hand,’ he states, ‘especially since carving, sanding and finishing a piece may take additional weeks or months.’
More recently, Burial has injected bold colour into his work – inspired by his local surroundings. Photography: James Burial Furniture
When reflecting on his initial vision as a creative, Burial says how he saw himself more as a craftsperson and less of an artist. While his work blurs the boundaries between design and art, his bold and imaginative concepts boast a sculptural and provocative beauty. “Looking ahead I hope I continue to follow my own design style, which I feel is now more sculptural, expressive and layered,’ he continues. ‘Hopefully in ten years I will be using whichever body parts I haven’t completely destroyed through woodworking to work on commissions of more exclusive work.’
The unexpected forms of Burial’s work have been coined as ‘soft brutalism’. Photography: James Burial Furniture
For younger artists just starting out, Burial says it is important to not try and guess what the mass public wants. ‘It’s impossible,’ he says. ‘Stay focused on your thing and your people will come to you. And don’t compare your art or career to others around you. Comparison is not only the thief of joy, but also the death of creativity.’ With his work soon to be on display in the new Philadelphia gallery of DuddHaus, we look forward to seeing the artist’s creative endeavours continuing to radiate joy and a playful beauty long into the future.
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