Fill the neon void in your heart with a limited edition piece from the design icon's latest collection.
Jonathan Adler knows a thing or two about glamour. He's a potter, a designer, an author, a television personality, and now - add one more item to his list of talents - a neon artist. His new yellowpop collection is a bright success.
Our collaboration began with a chance meeting in Paris, like so many fabulous stories. We hit it off immediately and knew his energy was a perfect match for the bright vibes of our brand. Eight beautiful pieces of art later, this collaboration is a perfect representation of modern American glamour with a neon twist.
We're thrilled to finally be able to share Adler's work and give you a behind-the-scenes look at his carefully curated dream world. Check out what our conversation with Adler was like at his residence. Then head over to Instagram and try out our new filter that lets you test out a piece from the new collection in your space (or on your face)
Jonathan Adler, potter and designer
Thanks for taking the time to chat and show us around your beautiful home, Jonathan. Can you tell us a little bit about your philosophy on aesthetics and design in the home?
I describe my aesthetic in three words: Modern American Glamour. Modern design is fresh, American design is upbeat, and glamour? Glamour, always.
We all know that people are spending more time at home since last year. Do you think this has changed the way we occupy our homes? Are people looking for more comfort? More color? Creativity?
This year has kind of changed everything. I think the biggest change is that it has really emphasized minimalism. People are spending a lot more time at home, so they're finding that comfort trumps austerity.
Do you think living an anti-depression life is more important than ever? Would you update your recipe for the post-2020 world?
Your home should make you happy. Creating groovy pieces has been my survival elixir in the face of confinement. The fact that these pieces go out into the world and maybe make people smile is the icing on the cake.
We saw that you revisited the pill motif for your collaboration with Yellowpop. Tell us about the role satire, playfulness and social commentary play in your work.
I think a lot of people look at my work and think I'm a shady, hedonistic designer, when in fact I'm the exact opposite. I don't do drugs, I don't drink, so my designs are the only way I can express my hedonistic side. Live healthy, decorate dirty!
Can you share the inspirations behind some of the other works in the collection?
I have a slight obsession with faces. If you look at my Muse pottery collection, you'll see this idea of repeated shapes and faces as an almost geometric pattern. We carried that idea over into a few pieces in my collection with Yellowpop, including the large circular piece with repeated faces all around. It's trippy and really kicks in.
What do you hope these works of art bring to their new owners? Does neon have a different impact on mood compared to other materials?
I am primarily a craftsman, and it was a pleasure to add neon to my repertoire. For years I had a neon hole in my heart. Then Yellowpop called me and I picked up the phone!
Can you tell us a bit about your creative journey as an artist? How do you go from something tactile and earthy like ceramics to a technology-powered light medium?
I tried pottery at summer camp when I was 12 years old, and from that point on, I had a spiritual connection. Nothing is more analogous than clay - it's mud. But clay is the starting point for everything I do - from pots to furniture to neon lights; I work all my ideas behind the wheel. I'm a restless designer - the more materials I work with, the more materials I want to work with.
You talk about spaces that are designed seriously, but don't take themselves too seriously. How do you go about doing that? Any tips for people hoping to do the same at home?
Serious design doesn't have to be so...serious. When designing a space, start with an impeccably chic base, then add accessories as you see fit. I always say my formula is 99% classic, 1% witty.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with our readers. Besides the launch of Yellowpop (of course), do you have any fun or exciting projects on the horizon?
There is always more, more, more on the horizon for me. Like I said, the more I create, the more I want to create - and I don't intend to slow down anytime soon.