In an exquisite formal balance where matter becomes inspiration, the limited editions of the artist and designer Vivian Carbonell are an ode to contemporary elegance and a kind of luxury that is never ostentatious. Selected by DesignMiami/ – one of the world’s most authoritative events on collectible design – the exclusive creations of Carbonell Design Studio are unique items, made by hand, charged with symbolism and narrative impact. The poetic language of Vivian
“Although form and function are always important,
each piece holds a personal story,
a time and place:
it is this self-expression
that blends the line between art and design in my work.”
Vivian Carbonell
Artifacts based on originality and artistic sensibilities, packed with the creativity of Vivian Carbonell, find their inspirational matrix in matter. Produced by Carbonell Design Studio, in collaboration with master artisans in Miami and Los Angeles, the furnishings, accessories and lamps are transformed into magnificent collectible sculptures. Daring imagination triggers dialogue, with unexpected equilibrium, between raw and crafted materials, such as wood, leather, iron, bronze, channeled into collections that embody an incisive emphasis on form.
In a dimension that goes beyond the boundaries between art and product design, the Kardia lamp, for example, has a stem that brandishes a bronze sculpture of a heart, while the Sumo tables, in their proportions and coloring, suggest the famous wrestlers of the same name. In an enchanting succession of forms that shift to other forms…
Vivian, How did you start your art design career and when did you open Carbonell Design Studio?
I would have to say that my background in fine arts is truly where my creative journey began. With sculpture as my main focus its no suprise I ventured towards design along the way and founded the studio in 2010 with my first collection. Working handson, exploring materials and combining them in my work has always been the inspiration and driving force. Although form and function are always important, each piece holds a personal story, a time and place – it is this self-expression that blends the line between art and design in my work.
Why did you choose Miami as home to your studio?
Miami is my hometown…I feel very fortunate to live and work surrounded by turquoise blue every day.
Could you tell us about Carbonell Design Studio?
Carbonell Design Studio features my original and limited edition lighting, furniture and sculpture inspired by an emphasis on form as well as the core elements of each material chosen. Each project inspires the next and both practices influence one another equally. It is my diversity that affords me the ability to crosspollinate ideas between the two mediums.
What are your inspirations when you create?
Materials are always at the heart of every piece. The driving force of the work is striking the perfect balance between raw and refined material qualities.
Which are your favorite materials?
Its difficult to choose a favorite, I have so many! One thing I can say for certain, my favorites are all genuine non synthetic materials.
Your pieces are exposed in Design/Miami kermesse. How does the connection with the collectible community work?
Design Miami has earned a big following through the years and has been very successful at merging art and design on such a well respected platform. Exhibiting at the fair last year was a very important mile stone for me. The fair has a very specific audience. They have a discerning eye for aesthetics and are looking for original work that speaks to them. From materials to craftmanship and story, the work is no longer viewed as solely functional. Design is observed as scultpure.
What types of projects are you working on now?
I’m currently working on several custom commissions and continuing to expand my recent body of work which was introduced at Design Miami recently.
Carbonell Design Studio
by Vivian Carbonell
6760 NE 4th Avenue
Miami, FL – USA
