Multifaceted, eccentric and world-famous designer Karim Rashid, designed three eclectic chairs for the B—Line brand: Hoop, Woopy and Gemma, bearing witness to his genuine talent and a style that is iconic.
His is a responsible and philosophical position in the face of contingent restrictions and uncertainties: more than the artist, it is the man that transpires, a man who feels part of a world that has to be protected, one in which social and professional relationships still have intrinsic values and in which the current emergency is viewed as an opportunity to reflect on important issues and, perhaps, as he himself hopes, on the chance to become better persons on a healthier planet.
Once again Karim allows his profound sensitivity to surface.
How do you feel emotionally and how are you dealing with this period from a personal and professional viewpoint?
Staying at home during the pandemic, for many, is a time to slow down, to reconsider one’s existence, reflecting and re-assessing its meaning. With the reduced number of commitments I have and without a defined schedule, I feel a personal and constant need to create. I’m at the drawing board for more or less two hours a day. I settle into my small and modest office at home, surrounded by colour and visual energy, take a sheet of paper and start drawing.
Ideally, this epidemic is a wake-up call that Mother Nature has sent us, urging us to consume less and slow down, to enjoy and appreciate our life to the full. It has come to cleanse the world, to encourage local production, promoting territorial and responsible agriculture, to halt livestock farming, to bring fewer children into the world, to expand digital work and reduce travelling, to eliminate toxins, to put an end to political unrest and review political spending, to stop wasting paper, to put a stop to wars and military investments, to respect the planet and to refrain from drilling for oil and destroying trees, as well as to further love and respect between all human beings. To spread global love not only amongst ourselves, but towards the environment and the ecosystem as well.
As for work instead, what change is there in your approach to new projects?
I went from the 50 projects I usually have, to 5. And those few projects are already pretty much ready. All of a sudden, I’ve nothing more to do. So I’ve decided to design a building a week, a lamp a week, a chair a week. I’m so accustomed to being absurdly busy! But now, based on the current situation, I have time to conceive and perceive our collective future.
Generally speaking, has there been a change in the way of designing and of relating with companies?
Despite distances, society is becoming more collaborative and more available, as also are companies. Meetings through Zoom, Cysco, Skype, etc. allow for more personal contact with customers and staff, something that did not exist when communicating from behind a veil or by e-mail. One is aware of closer collaboration. We know that capitalism is an unstoppable machine and that it has created an artificial desire for continuous growth, but we could have a stable economy that offers jobs and a certain quality of life without necessarily generating growth. What’s wrong with a small business deciding to remain small? Why do major corporations have to show at least 5% growth for shareholders every year? Let’s slow down and do less, consume less, take care of ourselves and others, and support the planet.