Number three in the JF Dialogues series features insights from New York-based designer and the creative mind behind the "Work to Play" collection, Lucca Zeray.
"The Work to Play collection is a series of furniture and objects that are made with accessibility and sustainability in mind. The collection stems from the belief that the things you choose to surround yourself with should not be determined by your socioeconomic standing. Having access to well-made and affordable objects is a right, not a choice."
1. How has your work evolved in the past year?
In the past year I have taken play much more seriously, my studio practice has always been based around the “work to play / play to work” philosophy. Things got too serious last year.
2. What have you not achieved that you would like to?
I would like to produce an item of furniture or home good that is accessible in cost and increases the quality of domestic life drastically.
3. What’s the most rewarding element of your process?
When a sample comes back and it works.
4. What book has influenced you more than any other?
The power broker by Robert Caro, not only is it personal as a native New Yorker but it thoroughly dives into how power is obtained.
5. What’s been your most rewarding project?
The project I am working on currently, designing a stainless steel yoyo. I brought a sample to the New York yoyo club and the reaction was so gratifying.
6. Where do your ideas come from?
Ideas are like fish, you can’t will one into your hands, you have to put out a bunch of lines and wait. When there’s a tug you gotta act fast.
7. When people experience your work, what emotion(s) do you want them to feel?
I want people to be connected to other people. Tables are surfaces but, they are also a place for meeting.
8. What does your studio/workspace look like?
I left my workshop a few months ago and have shifted my practice to mostly rely on 3D modeling, working from home, out of other friends workshops, and the use of my festool tools.
