Features

MAKE :: The Wonderful Art Glass World Of Larry Zgoda

AN INTERVIEW WITH STAINED GLASS MASTER CRAFTSMAN LARRY ZGODA

 

No one should be surprised that Larry Zgoda is a man who is rarely bored. You only have to look at the stunning variety and innovation in this master craftsman's work to see that he constantly challenges his abilities with a boundless creative spirit and a wide array of inspirations. For over 30 years, Larry has produced unique, original art glass windows, doors, screens, clerestories, skylights and walls in a variety of architectural environments. He also worked with and formed an amazing friendship with Edgar Miller, Modernism's Renaissance Man. We interviewed Larry to find out more about his work, his experiences and what fuels this creative dynamo.

MAKE :: ODO's Very Prairie Arrowroot Collection

AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN MOES OF ORGANIC DESIGN OPERATIVES

 

The Organic Design Operatives (ODO) are on a mission. This self-described quest is "to help reconnect people with nature in an otherwise tech-centric world. Our plan: study nature, be inspired by nature and create work and goods that celebrate and respect the wonder of nature." What better way to meld the wonders of the natural world with people's everyday lives than through home furnishings. ODO has gotten off to a fantastic start with the introduction of the Arrowroot Collection, their line of Prairie School-inspired home décor. We interviewed John Moes, President and Creative Director at ODO, to find out more about the company, the collection and their principled vision.

MAKE :: The Vintage Gouache Stylings of Matte Stephens

AN INTERVIEW WITH ILLUSTRATOR MATTE STEPHENS

When we initially posted on the whimsical illustration art of Matte Stephens, we had no idea it would end up being one of the most popular posts we'd done at PrairieMod. So, we decided it would be a good idea to interview Matte to find out a little more about his background, his inspirations and what makes his work so intrinsically appealing.

MAKE :: Herman Miller, Then and Now

AN INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN KOOLE OF HERMAN MILLER

Herman Miller has long been at the forefront of modern furniture design. I was fortunate enough to be able to catch up with Susan Koole from Heman Miller's Zeeland, MI office to dicuss where the company's legacy began and where it is going in the 21st Century. Deeply rooted in classic modern ideals, Herman Miller is leveraging their rich design tradition to continue future innovations.

MAKE :: Epic Burger, A More Mindful Burger

AN INTERVIEW WITH DAVID FRIEDMAN OF CHICAGO'S EPIC BURGER

We're driving down State Street in Chicago's South Loop this past fall and my wife points out a restaurant with Nelson Bubble lamps hanging inside. We pulled over, walked right in and were struck by a visual treat...the aforementioned lamps and Saul Bass-like graphics on the wall. And this was only just the beginning of our love affair with a hip and socially conscious burger joint called Epic Burger. Owner David Friedman was kind enough to tell us a bit more about his fantastic hot spot that is a "must-eat" for any local or visitor to Chicago.

MAKE :: Furniture With A RePurpose

AN INTERVIEW WITH RANDALL KRAMER OF KRAMER DESIGN STUDIO

Randall Kramer is my kind of guy. Not only does he have a passion for design, making furniture and architectural artifacts—but he can appreciate a good nature documentary as well. He recently contacted PrairieMod with more information on a Louis Sullivan inspired project he was working on and I followed-up to talk more with this intriguing designer. Enjoy the interview and be sure to check out his website.

MAKE :: Form3's Minimalist, Modern & Eco-Friendly Design

AN INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS NARDONE & GREG NEUHAUS OF FORM3



We were turned on by the clean and fresh designs that Form3 creates after getting an email from them several weeks ago. Wanting to find out more about how they got started and what they have been up to, I did an interview to uncover what Form3 is all about. Enjoy the interview and be sure to explore their website.

MAKE :: Sherilyn McElroy's Simplicity of Form

AN INTERVIEW WITH EDUCATOR, ARTIST AND DESIGNER SHERILYN MCELROY

We received an email a couple months back from Sherilyn McElroy that piqued our interest. She shared with us her amazing portfolio of original prints using unique processes. With a passion for design and the Prairie, Sherri's two fantastic print series Prairie Fairies and Prairie Alphabet are something we recommend you explore for your enjoyment. She also shared the fascinating reasons behind why and how she does what she does.

MAKE :: Amy Butler's Midwest Modern

AN INTERVIEW WITH CRAFTY GURU AMY BUTLER

Amy Butler has taken her Midwest Modern design approach to the world with great success and was kind enough to talk with me about where she's come from, what she has been doing and where she is going. You'll also get some insight into Amy's “Mid Mod” philosophy, which takes inspiration from the natural world.

MAKE :: Andrew Stansell Design, Metal Arts & Crafts Furniture

AN INTERVIEW WITH STEEL FURNITURE MAKER ANDREW STANSELL

Creations by Andrew Stansell strive for a sense of simplicity, honesty and authenticity. His furniture offers simple linear forms, including metal adaptations of traditional wooden furniture designs. Andrew seeks to achieve this through well thought-out design and a balanced use of proportion. I was fortunate enough to come across his work online and was excited to discuss it with him in detail.