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Jonathan Adler
Answers Phil’s questions
Aug 20| archive | subscribe
Jonathan Adler has been celebrated for the mod shapes, vibrant colors and organic eye-popping patterns that are the signature of his work today. He calls his design philosophy Happy Chic, “it's about infusing chic design with a dose of cheeky optimism. I love good design, I love what I do, and I hope it shows in my work.”
How do you describe the work that you do?
I am a potter / retailer / decorator / furniture designer / textile designer / tyrant (with a heart of gold I hope). I love good design, I love what I do, and I hope it shows in my work.
How does it relate to green, good or giving?
I found my Peruvian workshops through a non-profit called Aid to Artisans, which connects American designers with artisans in developing countries that practice Fair Trade to create a p.c. business relationship. It's been an incredible relationship--there are about 100 artisans in Peru working on my wares and it's enabled me to grow my business in America from 5 employees to 60. Sometimes doing production offshore can actually help to create more jobs in America!
And your readers should definitely check out Aid to Artisans--it's a great organization.
What are you working on at the moment? Any major projects?
Squillions of things - - holiday season is our busiest time and there will be tons of new pots, pillows, rugs & objets in the stores & on our site, plus new furniture designs and we’ve got several major residential & commercial interior design projects in the works.
How do you get to work?
Walk.
What long and winding road led you to your current position?
After college I bounced around from one dead end job to another, starting out as an assistant to a talent agent and then working for a very mean movie producer. I had a series of horrid bosses, but, in their defense, I must say that I was also a terrible employee. I spent all my working days yakking away to my friends on the phone.
After 3 long years, I decided to pursue my passion for pottery & quit my job. I worked day & night as a production potter. My first big order of pots came from Barneys. I took their order sitting on the floor of my studio not even knowing that I had to write an invoice (or what an invoice really was!).
I was really excited until it sank in that I had to make every piece they ordered!
When demand became overwhelming, I was lucky enough to find Aid to Artisans and through them, found the wonderful artisans in Peru that still produce most of my pottery & textiles today.
Where were you born? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Bridgeton, NJ and now I live in New York.
What has been the worst moment in your professional life to date?
Having an evil pottery professor tell me I had no talent and I should give up potting to become a lawyer or doctor.
What's been the best?
Same. It gave me the drive to prove her worng!
On Green
What environmental offense has infuriated you the most?
The destruction of the rainforests.
Who is your environmental hero?
I would say it's my husband Simon who's very into it, but he's terrible at recycling. He thinks everything is recyclable and it drives me mad to check out our recycling bin and find aerosol cans and broken pots and lots of things that can't be recycled but he insists they can and then we argue and we are forced to settle it like men--at the ping pong table.
What's your environmental vice?
Bottled water.
Which stereotype about environmentalists most fits you?
I drink a lot of herbal tea.
What's your favorite place or ecosystem?
Shelter Island
If you could institute by fiat one environmental reform, what would it be?
That everyone should use a ceramic mug instead of Styrofoam.
On Good
What is your motto?
Happy Chic!
What is your favorite virtue?
I'm a bit more vice oriented...
How do you spend your free time?
When I’m not working I love to spend time on Shelter Island swimming, playing tennis or ping pong, and watching reality TV with my husband Simon and my dog Liberace.
What's your favorite meal?
Brekkie with Simon (husband) & Liberace (dog).
On Giving
What is your philosophy of giving?
I truly believe that giving is good for the soul.
What organization are you affiliated with presently?
Two actually. Aid to Artisans, they global artisans earn income & build business enterprises today, and God's Love We Deliver, of New York City. They prepare and deliver fresh, nutritious, high-quality meals to people living with HIV/AIDS
What category or causes do you support philosophically or financially?
I try to give to causes that I have a close personal connection to – Jewish, cancer, AIDS, gay & animal charities.
Where do you volunteer?
I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I am too busy. I think this interview might inspire me to find the time.
Who is your role model for giving?
My dad was pretty inspirational. He gave a lot and did it quietly.
Who should volunteer or give?
Everyone, and especially me.
Who was your favorite musical artist when you were 18? How about now?
Run DMC when I was 18, and my favorite artist today is too embarrassing to admit. Let's just say that I have the musical tastes of a fifteen-year-old girl.
What's your favorite movie?
The Graduate.
Which actor would play you in the story of your life?
Tough. He would have to be astoundingly handsome and extraordinarily charismatic and intelligent, so the logical choice would be my Norwich Terrier Liberace.
If you could have every Phil reader do one thing, what would it be?
Give money to the Red Cross to help Peruvian earthquake victims!