When I saw Olivier’s creative studio, I thought I would lose my balance, industrial bins {yum} and carts, pipes, tubes and lamps, gorgeous, gorgeous lamps displayed on raw concrete walls waiting for the final touch from the master… So beautiful!
This post is long overdue. So here is a little more about Olivier Abry, the mastermind behind the WoWé lamps {one of which is on my birthday wish-list this year, by the way.}
[Translated from French]
What is your artistic path? What has been you career path?
"My path is pretty atypical. I spent a good portion of my career working for Pier-1 Imports in France, then the company got into financial trouble, so it was a big wake up call for me. I had to think about my career again… and went from Pier-1 store manager to light designer almost overnight…"
Tell us about the creation of WoWé your store…
"I debated quite some time over 2 ideas: opening my concept store with design finds, and both new design items and vintage products, or start designing light fixtures… I had always been attracted to light design, and my first creations were made about 20 years ago.
The creative aspect was a deal breaker for me. So I spent 6 months doing nothing but designing lamps, just to make sure I was worth something as a designer, and used any vintage recycled material I could get my hands on…"
Why WoWé? What does this name mean?
"Because when I was small child, when I wanted to say my name, Olivier, all I could pronounce was “O-wo-wé”, hence the name!"
So tell us, how do you make a lamp, from start to finish?
"I gather in my studio all sorts of pieces, industrial components and parts, and assemble them...like you would assemble a Lego construction game. My main inspiration is the OC white lighting system, famously known in the US : pipes, caps and articulating joint… These elements allow a lot of creativity and flexibility in the creation…"
Who are your design heroes?
"Lighting designers Ingo Maurer, Bernard Alain Gras [from the renowned Gras lamp], Jean Prouve, Serge Mouille, Isamu Nogushi and his Akari Lamps. I have eclectic taste, so the list could go on and on, and on!"
OK, now time sensitive questions, answer as fast as you can... ready? 3...2...1!
Scandinavian or industrial?
"Industrial of course, but this does not prevent me from being a fan of Arne Jacosben’s work, Verner Panton, Alvaar Alto or Hans J. Wegner creations."
Black or white?
"Black, always, but white comes right after!"
Spring or Fall?
"Fall for its magnificent colors, its walks in the woods. Fall for kicking the leaves with my feet or jumping on water puddles. "
Just click on the link to see all of Olivier's WoWé delightful lamp collection or to get a bit of Olivier's inspiration everyday through his super cool blog...
Images: courtesy of ©WoWé
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