
Neal Aronowitz
Born: 1956
Hometown: Brooklyn
Based in: Portland, Oregon
Born: 1956
Hometown: Brooklyn
Based in: Portland, Oregon
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and studied art and architecture at the city University of New York before going on to study photography and sculpture at Massachusetts College of art. My self-education as an artist, continued with educational forays into metal work, glassmaking, woodworking, and multimedia sculpture.
In 2014, I decided to re-open decades of sketchbooks of furniture and sculpture designs and formally established my Portland, Oregon studio, focusing on designing and making sculptural furniture and lighting.
I unveiled my debut piece, the Whorl Console at Portland design week. This experimental sculpture piece is composed of a single sheet of Concrete Canvas, an innovative product, never before used in furniture design. This piece became an international hit, winning Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year, and Best Furniture at World International News in London.
A documentary about the making of the Whorl Console called, "How to Bend Concrete in 108 Easy Steps" won Best Short Documentary at film festivals on three continents.
The studio continues making innovative bespoke pieces for designers and collectors worldwide, including Cate Blanchett, and David Adjaye Associates.
Working in my studio is an exhilarating experience that ignites my passion for the creative process. I dive deep into a realm of boundless imagination. From the initial spark of an idea to the final completion, I savor the journey of bringing my visions to life. The studio is a sanctuary, allowing me to lose myself in the enchantment of creation, and in this space, I find creative fulfillment.
What inspires you?
I am fascinated and inspired by natural forms, and the forces they express and reveal. My work is an exploration of these creative flows and movements that express the processes of living things and the creativity that fills the universe. These forms have a powerful presence and are valued as “statement pieces” in collector’s homes.
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
A book called “Abstraction in Art and Nature” by Nathan Cabot Hale has been an inspiration for decades. It is a scientific as well as artistic review of the principles underlying all natural forms and how they relate to artistic expression. “Provoking Magic”, by and about the designer Ingo Mauer has been a huge inspiration in creating a design business that is informed by play, curiosity, and love. There is nothing like seeing art in real life, and growing up in New York City with the finest museums in the world was an incredible privilege and learning experience.
Where do you go for inspiration?
As Leonard Cohen once said, "If I knew where all the good songs came from I would go there more often"! The source of creative inspiration is a mystery but the surest way to find it is to keep the mind calm and the heart peaceful. Inherent creative power is awakened this way.
1 Article
11 American Designers Reimagining Furniture
September 28, 2023