SCALE PLAY

And other lessons I take away from an upcoming show at The Broad

Wearstlerworld,

I want to talk about an artist who has really influenced me – first and foremost, how I play with scale. But also through really simple ways I now build out a mood board (and permission to thrift whatever I want), and how I let “memory” and a sense of time seep into design projects.

The artist is Robert Therrien (who was based here in L.A., and died back in 2019); and we’re lucky because a major new retrospective of work is opening up at The Broad later this month. I recently got the chance to speak to some people involved in that exhibition, and at his former studio downtown – and, it’s only deepened my interest in him.

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ANYTHING FROM EVERYTHING

If Therrien was able to do one thing, it was to totally transform everyday objects, or common shapes and forms, into things that felt dynamic, personal, and full of emotion.

So, to spend time with his artwork – and those who helped him make it – I really feel that Therrien has so much to say about finding the balance between creativity (and spaces) that is monumental but approachable.

Here are three ways he does it:

1. Get emotional

2. Find yourself

3. Cut the drama, sometimes

(Plus, we’ve convinced Therrien’s estate to share the formulas to his favorite paint colors – you’re welcome!)