AVANT-GARDE DECOR: MEET BLAKE ALEXANDER

The industrial designer and artist shares how architecture inspires his process and the importance of living with objects you adore.

Product designer, interior designer, artist, and model, Blake Alexander is a man of many talents. His work has been featured in galleries, Etsy, fashion magazines, and on design shows alike. His expertise spans from fashion and textile design to architecture.

Blake, who currently works from Washington D.C., is the mastermind behind sleek kinetic pieces like the Italian Marble Cantilever Table and the contemporary Falling Vanity Mirror. “I’m inspired by pure aesthetics with unexpected details ,” Blake says. “Living with inspiring decor fuels your daily living experience.” We asked him to share a peek into his process and show us some of his favorite pieces. Read on for an exclusive Q&A.

“Everything starts with a sketch”

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

Short answer: media. When I’m looking for inspiration it usually finds me, as cliche as that sounds. Whether scrolling through Instagram or a painting i’ve created the night before, it all leads me back to the same creative place in my mind. Architecture, fashion photography and models who have odd features inspire me the most I would say. Also textiles, the layers between glass, and molecular structures are a close second.

“Architecture and fashion are the most important aspects of design. Architecture is like your castle and your armor for the world would be fashion. If you don’t have these two elements you would be left vulnerable. ”

Sketch provided by Blake Alexander of Mead Center for American Theater (front elevation)

HOW DOES FASHION INFLUENCE YOUR DESIGNS?

Fashion really moves my design process forward. Studying in New York I would always find myself in a sewing studio draping fabric on spare mannequins whenever I could. The shapes and movements clothing create on the body never fail to inspire my decor. And the avant-garde qualities are explored mostly with the aid of fashion.

Sketch provided by Blake Alexander Mead Center for American Theater (side elevation)

PLEASE TAKE US THROUGH YOUR PROCESS AND HOW ONE OF YOUR DESIGNS COMES TO LIFE.

Everything starts with a sketch. Sometimes that becomes a painting, fashion, furniture, or an architectural design. For BluMint Studios when I start a sketch it its often very simple then later it transforms into something more tangible. I always think of a particular material in mind before I start the sketch because material dictates the final design ultimately. I always try to push the bounds on material and what it can actually achieve. This always ends in an unusual result which is something I always seek when designing a new piece.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

My personal style at most times is very minimal with pops of unexpected details. Thats in direct contrast to some of my pieces which explores colors and abstract lines like my Pastel Squiggle Coasters set. I believe in living in duality which means you can have more than one personal style without merging the concepts.

WHAT DOES DESIGN MEAN TO YOU?

Design, in its essence, is solving a particular problem. When I was younger believe it or not I wanted to be a Rocket Scientist. Design has the same properties of any good scientific theory. You first discover a problem and then you create a hypothesis which for me is a sketch then you flush out the processes of how to achieve that design. Thus creating a working theory or a physical object.

Foam Lamp, Foam Vase, and Squiggle Coaster featured in client’s home.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE BEST DESIGNED ITEM OF ALL TIME?

Well the first thing that came to mind is the human body, its just so well thought out and I’m so blessed to be in a vessel like this. But if we are talking about inanimate objects I would say thats a loaded question lol. Honestly its hard to chose there are so many talented inventors and designers that created these well thought out designs. Saying that out loud now, the most well designed items are your everyday items. Like a coaster you use to protect your table or your front door that has to work day in and day out. Items that are tangible and and you hardly notice because it is your everyday, its a lifestyle product.

YOU’RE ALSO A PAINTER, HOW DOES YOUR ART RELATE TO YOUR DECOR?

Most of my paintings are single line abstract works with humanoid features, but I also create abstract pieces with color and 24k gold details. When I need quick inspiration I do a single line painting first in pen, then if I’m making a commission piece I continue with the work and start composing with paint and add shadows. With some pieces I even add thread into the piece as a nod to my fashion experience.

Painting provided by Blake Alexander (showing thread technique) 8x10

Current Exhibition

Why now, why BluMint Studios?

I started BluMint Studios in 2013, but during this pandemic (2020) it forced me to leave my job in fashion. I went to school for Architecture originally, and have experience in pottery, fashion, and industrial design at Pratt Institute in NY. During 2020 I was forced to use my skills and my barehands to create sustainable art with an avant-garde flare that only I know. I wanted to create this collection to inspire people to live everyday with joy and inspiration and I have achieved that through my handcrafted housewares that I create in studio. This pandemic and the black lives matter movement has really opened once closed doors to Black Designers and put a spotlight on the struggles of the Black Community. I hope to change preconceived notions of what design has to be, and whom it is created by.