The distinction between fine art and functional art has been debated for centuries, but as a practitioner of both for over 36 years I have come to appreciate that each can coexist in the same object. Paintings and sculpture are typically created for visual and intellectual stimulation only, while functional art is designed to serve a purpose first and look beautiful at the same time. Which is more valuable? 

Because art is completely subjective, the answer varies with the individual. Everyone is unique and values things for different reasons. Would I rather own Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” or a 1938 Talbot Lago? With a background in fine art I can fully appreciate the Van Gogh, but would probably draw more daily inspiration from the Talbot Lago because not only could I observe it tirelessly as a work of art, but I could get inside and drive it as well, which just adds to the experience of owning it. I find the combination of artistic vision, technical skill and impeccable craftsmanship irresistible, which is why all three typically end up in my work. My brand of functional art is meant to provide the same visual pleasure and thought-provoking inspiration as fine art, but with the addition of an interactive element as well. In that way I am not trying to follow either format, but forge a new kind of object in which the best of both arts can be fully appreciated.

AeroPods, AstroPods and DecoPods are all designed to stand alone as artistic statements in themselves, but each is augmented with a dramatic surprise; a functional element that, because it is so completely personalized and custom fitted, becomes a pleasure to present and entertain with. The value of the experience is greater than merely observing an object on a pedestal, not just because of the delightful surprise, but also because of the technical skill that went into its creation and the knowledge that the owner’s personality was instrumental in the design. Functional art, for me, is when art and design work together in a unique and creative way, resulting in an object that can be admired as much for its beauty as for its cleverly-designed functionality.