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One To Watch: Michelle Mason

17th November 2010
Today I have another fantastic designer featuring on this series. Michelle Mason is the woman in question and I am ecstatic to have her here today. I absolutely love her products and have an obsession with the stella rug. She designs contemporary interior and giftware products, where being versatile is what she is all about!
Michelle is no stranger to the media as her work frequently appears in magazines, from Grand Designs, Elle Decoration, Homes & Gardens and Living Etc to Australia’s House Beautiful.
Here are some questions that Michelle kindly answered.

When did you realise you had a passion for design?
I was always painting and drawing as a very small child and at about 8 or 9 made a dolls house, out of boxes, that just grew and grew across the living room floor. It was more Van de Rohe, single storey, than country cottage and I loved that I’d created something out of old bits of rubbish. When I was about 16 I starting making my own clothes. I probably looked ridiculous but the pleasure I got from creating things never really went away.
Where do you inspirations come from?
Nowhere in particular. It’s usually just something that grabs my attention; it could be an old poster, a bit of graffiti, the shape of a tree. At the moment I’m rather taken with things to do with transport and old graphics from bus and train travel.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There’s been a couple of nice moments such as being shortlisted for the Homes and Gardens Classic Design Award, last year. It was a lovely party at the V & A and I really enjoyed working on the Stella rug design that was eventually nominated. I also enjoyed working with Livia Firth, this year, on the Rosetta rug.
What do you hope to achieve in 5 years time?
More projects that challenge and stretch the imagination and collaborations with other companies.
What famous artists/designers do you admire or inspires you the most?
I was introduced to David Hockney a few years ago. He’s still having an amazingly prolific career. He was delightful and a fellow Yorkshireman to boot. I also greatly admire Zaha Hadid and can’t wait to swim in the Aquatic centre, she’s designed, after the Olympics.
In five words how would you describe yourself?
Eager to have a go.

What 5 things couldn’t you live with out?
My six year old daughter, of course, coffee, art galleries, a good film and pasta with a nice glass of wine. Preferably all in the same day. I know that counts as six – is  that allowed?

Thank you so much Michelle for being so nice and taking the time to answer these Questions. I look forward to seeing some more fantastic items from you, as I am sure they will not disappoint!

2 Comments

  1. chairsmith

    17th November 2010 at 11:23 am

    Lovely piece Arianna, v. enjoyable read!

  2. Belly

    17th November 2010 at 2:00 pm

    Thanks for the intro, Ari. Her designs look amazing (!) and I loved how down-to-earth she was in the interview.

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