New York-based owner of Otium and designer, Thomas Fuchs, spent some time with us to talk about his signature collection, Otium. We know from our last post that 'Otium' is Latin for “aristocratic leisure," so we felt perfectly comfortable kicking our feet back as we posed questions to him about his work. We hope you’ll do the same as you read our Q&A below.
GDG: What helped to progress your skills in the industry?
TF: I started my professional training in a museum surrounded by the very best examples of art in a city where the museums were all free and their archives were there for even a curious student. This taught me to appreciate the finest of the fine.
I moved on to working in the auction business where I quickly became a furniture expert at the age of 25. This taught me period characteristics and social significance of design, which has always been influenced by culture, trade, and politic and technical advances.
After this, I moved to create my first collection of furniture called Quatrain, where I honed my knowledge of craftsmanship, business savvy and the importance of the relationship and mutual respect with the artisans that create the visions I have.
GDG: Did you have any major influences along the way?
TF: My two biggest influences were my parents who encouraged my art and my elementary art school teacher with whom I am still friends!
GDG: Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?
TF: Well, I am not big on collecting. After working in the auction business and being constantly surrounded by so much stuff it is easy not to get emotionally attached. I am also willing to wait until I can get the very best example of something other then just filling in space.
The one thing I do admit to collecting is Han Dynasty and Neolithic pottery. I do not have a lot but what I have is important. I never feel like I am the sole owner, I feel like I am holding these for the next owner. You cannot help but feeling that a 2,000 year old object is now solely for you. I also “collect” or adopt stray dogs!
Next week, Thomas tells us what he's been busy with recently and which DDB showroom will carry his latest work. Find Otium at the DDB in the Holland & Sherry showroom, at the PDC in A. Rudin and at the DCOTA at J. Batchelor.
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