AS A MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST, HOW DO YOU DECIDE YOUR MEDIUMS?

I like to stay flexible and open to new materials and new ways of doing things. With 3D printing for example I love how I can create sometimes classic shapes in recycled plastic using technology. Ideally I would love to continue to marry artisan/craftsmanship and technology when creating furniture and objets and so I always have this in mind. 

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO DIVE YOURSELF INTO THE 3D PRINTING FIELD AND UTILISE IT AS A WAY OF EXPRESSION?

My fiancé bought one for himself,  and at first I borrowed it to print mini chairs to check dimensions etc. When I realised that I had basically a huge archive of designs that I had 3D modelled, I went crazy transforming them to be 3D printed. A vase or sculpture seemed like a natural path due to the size you can print and it is really satisfying in a way to see how it formed right under your eyes.

RUG IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR UNIVERSE AS WELL, HOW DID YOU START AND ANY PARTICULAR REASON?

I already had an idea of the ins and outs of rug making from my previous job as an interior designer, I worked closely with the artisans and learned the materials, knot counts, weaving methods...etc 

Rugs are an important element to the overall space, it adds texture and warmth and contrasts certain structural furniture/ harsher materials within the space.

I don’t feel limited by the type of object/element when designing, it’s more the overall picture of how the space is going to come together. Of course in my head I’m always building an ‘Argot Home’ , my dream would be to have my own space with every element custom for that space :) 

NAMING PROCESS?

It depends, sometimes it’s really obvious due to the shape or the direct inspiration ie. the Eileen Rug, but if not, I actually struggle with this and ask Jean-Eloi my partner to come up with something. 

WHAT DRAWS YOUR ATTENTION CONSTANTLY?

Architecture, and shapes that occur in architecture and nature. 

WHICH COLOUR PALETTE?

I like to keep a space either neutral or monochrome so that you can add special pieces, textures and materials gradually. 

FAVOURITE SEASON?

Spring! Being Irish, I’m not really cut out for the heat, spring in Paris has such a nice vibe, also jackets are my favourite item of clothing and it’s sunny but not too hot. 

WHICH PERIOD OF ARCHITECTURE INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST?

I think it’s probably the modernist movement, they were discovering so many new materials to work with, trying to strip back design constantly and also it was when women designers first started to be recognised for their designs. 

Villa E-1027 by Eileen Gray, Photograph by Depasquale + Maffini

 

 

 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETIC? 

I like contrasting, whether it be form and material, colour and texture whilst keeping the base simple/neutral.

WHEN STARTING A NEW PROJECT, DO YOU FOLLOW A PARTICULAR CREATIVE PROCESS? 

Yes more or less, I will always sketch something first and set it aside, let it sit for a good while. Then come back to it and start to 3D model it, at this point it often changes depending on the medium in which it is to be created. Something the 3D printed needs to be designed very differently to a wooden chair and I love the problem solving element involved. 

NAME A SHAPE.

I think the square, it is a base to work from and has so many versatile uses, it’s also the most satisfying to me, both visually and practically. 

WHAT DOES THE WORD "CRUSH" MEAN TO YOU?

The first image that pops into my head is what the word means in a textural sense, like crush velvet.

DESCRIBE YOUR DAILY OUTFIT?

It has really changed since confinement(s), and also since I am waking/cycling to my new studio as opposed to taking the metro. Before I used to really enjoy putting an outfit together, usually a shirt with gilet and trousers. Now it's super comfortable and in reality, ‘old clothes’ on the days I know I’m going to make prototypes etc. Looking forward to getting dressed up again. 

NIGHT-OUT ATTIRE?
If my memory serves me well…..probably that same shirt and trousers from the day with boots instead of trainers, a structured jacket or coat. 

YOU ARE IRISH, WHAT IS THE STYLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IRISH AND FRENCH IN YOUR INTERPRETATION?

I think the biggest difference is that French styles like to keep it classic whereas in Ireland people aren’t afraid to try a new trend or rich colour.  

BEDTIME READING FOR THE MOMENT?

Anything by Haruki Murakami & Mieko Kawakami

MOST MEMORABLE ARCHITECTURE?

There are so many... But a couple are,  Alvar Aalto’s maison ‘Louis Carré’, and also Adán Martín’s Auditorium in Tenerife.

FAVOURITE INTERIOR DESIGNER?

Eileen Gray

FURNITURE PIECE?

My Eileen lamp by Eileen Gray ha

FILM?

I Am Love by Luca Guadagnino, we visited the house it’s filmed in Milan a couple of times, it’s so amazing, as is Tilda as always. 

PANTS OR SKIRT?

Pants, always. 

SWEET OR SAVORY?

Savory. 

TELL US A SECRET.

Not a secret as such but I never went to design school and have youtube tutorials to thank for much of what I can do today :) 

WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT PLANS IN 2021?

The launching of several collections that I’m crazy excited for! 
Also we need a new and larger space for Argot Studio as we grow, so that will be fun.

Discover more about Eimear Ryan
argotstudio.com
Instagram: @argot_studio