We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Marc Pascal ("MP").

In his working processes, Pascal constantly experiments with techniques and materials, seeking not only an envisioned aesthetic effect, but also determining the practicality and durability of the objects. They are, after all, primarily intended for use. The first insight into the process and the evolution of the objects can be seen in the conceptual sketches. They have boldness and freedom, and are obviously used as ways of thinking. The drawing becomes exact when moved to the computer, used as a precision design and drawing tool. Delight is the key word in describing anything to do with Pascal’s practice. There is the delight he experiences in his own creativity and the realisation of his ideas. This is not unmixed with the usual frustrations of creation and manufacture, but such concerns fade when he starts to speak of his work. His speaking is never merely in words, but overflows into sound effect and gesture and an irresistible urge to touch the objects. It is from this delight and openness that his ability to experiment with form, materials, and techniques springs. And it is in this delight, infusing his work and communicating to the viewer, that the distillation of all the aspects of his originality lies. For Marc Pascal’s useful, practical domestic objects perform that most difficult of artistic statements: they depict and engender happiness in a way that is complex and profound.

Marc Pascal Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Marc Pascal.

Designer Interview of Marc Pascal:

DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

MP : Hello! I have always been attracted to drawing, painting, colour and light. I am a day dreamer. I studied fine art painting and printmaking, and later Industrial design. I love making things with my hands- forming shapes, making them energetic. I found industrial design was a perfect avenue to explore different materials and the many ways of manipulating those materials. The challenge of a designer maker is to work with limited finances to produce objects that inspire and empower the environments that they inhabit.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

MP : My design studio is my making studio. As many processes that can be done in house are done here. Dyeing the poly carbonate, casting a variety of materials in moulds, assembling the made to order products, and experimenting with new forms and processes, all the CAD and communication to the world are done here. I have been running my practice for 20 years.

DI: What is "design" for you?

MP : Design is the germinating of an idea into a refined object that is beautiful and practical

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

MP : I love designing objects that enhance and energize a space that one would work or live in, from furniture, objects and lighting.

DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

MP : My favourite designs are ones that somehow take my breath away-because of surprising use of form, colour and intuitive function. So many clever designs

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

MP : The first design I did for Schiavello was a metal halide up light with its multiple configurations.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

MP : Wood metal glass plastic. Tsplines. NC

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

MP : When I am rested, stimulated and empowered.

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

MP : I strive to create energetic form that is sensual and seductive and resolved in terms of function and fabrication.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

MP : A multitude of emotions from a very basic need to be true to the end ideal I have visualized

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

MP : Deep excitement in my belly that bubbles up and reaches out to my fingertips

DI: What makes a design successful?

MP : A successful design is one that communicates to the end user, a design that people want.

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

MP : The shape.

DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

MP : Designs should be helpful to the living: humans, animals and plants. Materials used should be environment aware where possible- some materials that come from petro based materials do not have a green alternative yet…

DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

MP : I have no idea -hybrids of the hybrids of the hybrids..

DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

MP : One month ago. Early next year

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

MP : Many places - always nature and nature beyond - DMT a place of pure creation…

DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

MP : Design style is organic and sensual – I like to create energized surfaces – I feel one must be very intuitive and true to ones inner sense of what works…I design in the computer but only when it is physical and I can touch and feel it that I can truly judge it. It always needs changes. Touch and feel is very important for my work.

DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

MP : I live in Melbourne Australia. Cultural heritage comes from everywhere. Design language is global.

DI: How do you work with companies?

MP : I don’t much, but I think I would like to commence.

DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?

MP : Process: imagine draw make – over and over – until refined.

DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

MP : Ceramic bowl by Jane Sawyer, Vovo vase by me, pepper grinder by Karl Millard, knife and forks –designer unknown, Bang and Olufsen speakers.

DI: Can you describe a day in your life?

MP : Drop kids off at school, go to studio, go home, commune with my beautiful family.

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

MP : Dig deep and stick to your guns

DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

MP : Love it when people love my work. Hate it when the bank account looks fickle.

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

MP : Does it feel right deep down in your guts?

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

MP : Visualizing

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

MP : Rhino, & lately Fusion360, 3d printing, contemporary design publications, pencil and paper.

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

MP : Occasionally I love to go and work deep into the night with no interruptions – I love to work on multiple tasks and rotate.

DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

MP : Variable –stupid question

DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

MP : Where does your inspiration come from?

DI: What was your most important job experience?

MP : Working in a big company

DI: Who are some of your clients?

MP : I am my client – but I would like to change that….

DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

MP : Decorative functional – it serves a purpose and should be delightful.

DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?

MP : Exhibit in Europe and working on a new luxury vase.

DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

MP : By myself, but I do get feed back from friends.

DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

MP : Working on a new vase, long will require 1 – 2 bunches of flowers, and will compliment the leafy sea dragon light.

DI: How can people contact you?

MP : Contact me at marc@marcpascal.com