Beth Thorne, A very pure designer with a lot of soul

Auteur : Kris | 11-20-2010

"I think of myself as a conduit translating a concept, emotion, or a desire into physical form."

You can tangibly see this in her 'Robles Table' of cast bronze and glass that resembles a living tree.

This piece has so much soul which I think is missing in contemporary-designed furniture where plastic is often the medium for expression.

Music has always been a pure inspiration when designing her pieces for the Espina collection in Los Angeles. "Nick Cave (Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds) has such a pure expression that is dark, and edgy and so rich-baroque even. I like the complexity of his music, the poetry of his lyrics, and the layering of it all. It becomes spatial and tangible."

What I appreciate about artists in Southern California is the cultural diversity, and as Beth says "everyone is different – you need to get your ego out of the creative process, channel and filter through experiences." 'Espina', means 'thorn' in Spanish (happy coincidence that Thorne is her last name) which expresses her attitude as rebellious and not conforming with Espina.

Just look at this sultry chair that has a certain determined elegance.

It looks like a couture bustier; very feminine with the cut of the legs but masculine in the heavy iron base.
"The Trenza chair is actually a weave pattern, inspired from my Brazilian vintage sandals!"

I like to not play it safe

"When I read shelter magazines (industry jargon for Déco mags) and see a living room for exemple, the scene looks so safe sometimes, like a very boring party. This Trenza chair ressembles at a party that laughs out loud, she is not too serious, not prim nor proper, she lives out loud."

Beth works with a variety of suppliers in Mexico as they provide so many creative options: handblown glass, ceramics, weavers, and leather tanneries second to Italy in production and quality.

"The entertainment industry in L.A. provides an opportunity to design anything." We can see her freedom in designing these pieces for such a clientele which is a sharp left turn from her core business which is design for bath and kitchen.(www.beththorne.com)

I would love to see more self expression and risk taking in Design.

"I get excited when I see unique interiors with personality. When inspired by human nature we are more interesting. Modern design in plastic is going away and life cycle is becoming more important". Mass produced items are moving by the wayside and we are returning to craft & heirloom items. Beth notes a growing request for solid design pieces from he clients, "unique pieces with a story, a history".

Rose Tarlow has also inspired Beth along this route. She also subscribes to French & other European shelter magazines for inspiration: Elle Décor, The World of Interiors, Côté Sud and other Australian mags.

Those of you seeking exposure in the American market, you may want to check out the new trade show growing in LA: www.dwell.com

Thanks Beth for bringing soul back into design!