Interview with Steven Tiller (Reclamation Art +Furniture)
1. How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as someone with a passion for creativity, I am always pleased to see people, both strangers and friends, doing what they love. They tend to walk, talk & carry themselves different than your average Joe. Building, making & creating is that ‘love’ for me…
I see the finished product hiding inside piles of raw material long before the first saw tooth touches board or before the welder ever starts to hum. I believe good design is smart, simple and functional.
2. What was decisive for you to become a designer?
I don’t know that there was ever a decisive moment that made me become a designer. Creativity is just part who I am and has been since I was little. It goes all the way back to the the supplication of my fathers tools to build forts and tree houses in the woods behind my parents house as a kid. I would spend hours disassembling and re-assembling my toys. To my parents frustration, sometimes they never made it back together, but I always learned something.
My background is that of a carpenter with an affection for architecture, furniture and good design. For most of my life I have tinkered with left over materials, often turning one object into another. I have no formal education as a designer; I am just a guy with a good foundation of hands-on skills, a deep passion for creativity and a love for getting my hands dirty. Much of what I do is self-taught, learned through doing, reading and asking questions of those whose talents I respect. If that makes me a designer, then I am honored to have the title.
3. How would you characterize the design of your objects?
Clean modern lines, functional, artistic, elegant, simple.
4. What is the essence of perfect furniture design for you?
The essence of a perfect furniture design for me is in a few simple questions: Does the furniture piece make you feel an emotion? Do you want it in your environment? Does it work for you? Do you love its texture and form? If the answer to these questions is yes then I would say I have found the perfect design.
5. What is your personal favourite piece of furniture? Why?
Right now, my favorite piece of furniture is The Bike Valet. I really had know idea it would get the positive reception it has received thus far and I am excited to see where it takes us.
6. Who is your favourite designer?
I have a great deal of respect for a number of talented, local, creative artisans here in Northern California. To name one over the other wouldn’t be fair.
7. What motivates you to get up in the morning?
My family, my friends, my work.
8. What are your sources of inspiration?
I often find inspiration in one or both of two things, materials or necessity, sometimes both. I design and build objects for me but I am always pleased when others appreciate and find joy in my pieces.
9. Where can we get more information about you? (web / blog / facebook / twitter…)?
With the unexpected recent press and international attention The Bike Valet has received, we will be reworking and updating these sites to better represent us as soon as we can.
For now you can find us at these locations:
Web: www.reclamationartandfurniture.com
E-Mail: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RecArtFurniture
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/RecArtFurniture
Twitter: @TheBikeValet
Q10: What would you do today if you wouldn´t have become a designer?
Had I the means earlier in life…I would have set my sights on Architecture.
Would you like to leave us an additional note?
We (my family and I) are humbled and very appreciative of the recent press and accolades surrounding the design of The Bike Valet. It is truly an honor. Our focus now is to get the project funded so we can manufacture on an appropriate scale and distribute them to all who find joy in the design.
Thank You, Steven Tiller.
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