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Today we welcome Josh to our Q&A Blog with Michael Graves Design. We first got acquainted with Josh when we came across an Instagram video of Josh finding and refurbishing our Whistling Bird Teakettle! We knew immediately Josh would be perfect for our Monthly Delight Feature.
Tell us about yourself, what’s your story?
I’m currently a fibers student at the Savannah College of Art and Design, which is a broad major that covers multiple disciplines. It is fitting for me as I create in many forms, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, paper art, interiors, and even sweaters. I have always believed an artist shouldn’t be subject to working in one specific media, but rather letting their vision determine the process and materials to best execute the idea. Art does not stop at the edge of the canvas; A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte looks lovely in your living room, but how much more lively would it be to wear throughout the day for everyone to see?
Along with my projects, I have found enjoyment in documenting the process and sharing any tips I have with others through platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. A good part of my content surrounds interior decorating and helping others find ways to make their rooms, dorms, spaces, or wherever they call home a bit more refined and personal.
What led you to MGD?
My first introduction to Michael Graves was as a young kid on a visit to Walt Disney World, driving by the EPCOT resort area and seeing the towering pyramid and dolphin statues of the Swan and Dolphin Resort. When I got to college I began to explore the elements and imagery that I most equate with my childhood, such as large manicured lawns, cumulous-cloud blue skies, and postmodern design, (think Teletubbies or the Windows XP wallpaper).
As I researched more, I saw how much of Michael Graves’ design language really surrounded my youth, with his stacked-perspective landscape paintings being the cherry on top. The Target Collaboration was also prevalent when I was in elementary school, and I recently realized we had a selection of MGD products in my childhood home. In short, Michael Graves Design is a bit nostalgic for me.
What do you love most about the company Michael Graves Design?
I love that, similar to me, Michael Graves never boxed himself into creating art in one form, and that the company continues to explore other avenues of bringing functional art to the world. MGD should be particularly proud of their work in creating thoughtful, innovative, and classy solutions for the healthcare world, as their commitment is surely bringing warmth and comfort to an industry that can often feel sterile and frightening.
What is different about Michael Graves’ designing of products than other products you’ve come across?
Michael Graves finds a way to sprinkle a little cleverness, a little class, and a little humor into every product they create. A more appropriate term may be piece rather than product, as each creation is done in such an artistic way that they are practically sculptures. Many companies would go to design a toaster and simply produce a rectangle, but MGD takes it one step further and dares to create a toaster that looks like a loaf of bread! It’s the willingness to hold on and appreciate the childlike wonder we were born with and add a dash to our everyday life, reminding us the world isn’t as serious as it sometimes seems.
What is your favorite Michael Graves Design product?
I’d have to say the 9093 Whistling Bird Teakettle, it’s simply a classic and features all of the great elements I attribute to Michael Graves Design. A close second may be the Bookshelf Clock from the JCPenney collaboration; what a great way of combining two functional products into one?!
What is one thing you’d like our readers to know?
Your home, space, etc. does not have to follow any trend, and does not have to look like a magazine. How you chose to style where you live is a reflection of your life, and if you aren’t able to look around and find joy or a personal connection with each of the elements that fill your home, then is it really YOUR home?
Follow Josh on Social!
Follow Josh on Tiktok: @joshuarcher_
Follow Josh on Instagram: @joshuarcher_
