We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Neal Aronowitz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Neal below.

Neal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve always loved designing and making things, but thought having a career actually doing it would be some far off fantasy. For most of my life, I’ve run my own construction company and created artwork on the side as a hobby.

Around 10 years ago, I decided to develop an organic food bar. I spent two years on the product and finally presented it to one of the largest natural food chains in the country. The head buyer was very impressed and said he wanted it for all his stores.

This would normally be a dream for anyone trying to launch a food product. To my shock,I left the meeting and the first thought that came to mind is, “if I do this, I’ll never do design work.”
As I said, I never really thought that I could or would do design work as a serious career. However, I could not ignore that still small voice that was so clear and compelling. I made a commitment right then and there to ditch the food business and pursue this dream of being an artist and designer. Furthermore, I determined that, instead of making things just to make money, I would only create the kind of pieces that I found artistically interesting and fulfilling.
I’ve never looked back and never regretted taking this path.

Neal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in NYC and am currently based in Portland, Oregon.

My studio was founded in 2014 and launched with a few powerful and iconic pieces of furniture and lighting that quickly won acclaim in the international design world.
The focus of the studio is the design and fabrication of unique, highly sculptural, hand-crafted bespoke furniture and lighting which has been commissioned by collectors and designers worldwide, including David Adjaye Associates, and Cate Blanchett.
I am fascinated and inspired by natural forms, and the forces they express and reveal. My work is an exploration of these creative flows and movements that express the processes of living things and the creativity that fills the universe. These forms have a powerful presence and are valued as “statement pieces” in collector’s homes.

My first pieces were the Whorl Coffee Table and Whorl Console, which are fabricated from Concrete Canvas, a new innovative industrial fabric. The Concrete Canvas Collection won numerous design awards including Interior Design Magazine Best of Year for residential furniture. I am the only designer worldwide working with this unique material.
One of my biggest thrills was hearing one of my design heroes, the great Ingo Maurer, comment on the Concrete Canvas Collection, saying “It’s an incredible achievement – the studies he undertook, his enthusiasm for the material, his persistence in following his vision, and, of course, the shape. It’s a very nice product. I would like to have one.”
My first into lighting was with the Boro Boro light, a dynamic and exuberant
chandelier which won an award for Best Lighting in the LAMP International Design Competition in Vancouver BC.

I am very honored to have been the subject of a documentary that was filmed about my work, called “How To Bend Concrete in 108 Easy Steps” which won Best Documentary in film festivals on three continents. It is available to view on Amazon Prime.

The work of my studio continues with a passion for daring forms, material experimentation, and simple beauty.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

A book called “Abstraction in Art and Nature” by Nathan Cabot Hale has been an inspiration for decades. It is a scientific as well as artistic review of the principles underlying all natural forms and how they relate to artistic expression.

“Provoking Magic”, by and about the designer Ingo Mauer has been a huge inspiration in creating a design business that is informed by play, curiosity, and love.

There is nothing like seeing art in real life, and growing up in New York City with the finest museums in the world was an incredible privilege and learning experience.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist are the relationships you create with some of the most interesting and passionate people in the world. Clients, gallerists, collectors, and collaborators are among the most fascinating and heart-centered people you could ever meet. They give me inspiration to keep on going in what can often be a very challenging path.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nealaronowitz.com
• Instagram: neal.aronowitz
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-aronowitz-9261ab11/