Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Designer Profile: Blacksmith & Cobbler

Keith Kirkland
Who: NJ-born Artisan/Engineer/Designer Keith Kirkland
Where: Harlem, USA
What: Handbags and leather goods, lighting, dog wearables, innovative drawing devices, props, drinking glasses, mailboxes, women's footwear, kinetic sculptures and conceptual product and space design.

Latest projects: Hand-painted custom skateboards and accompanying leather carrying straps for them, as well as Mondrain-inspired mailboxes.
Hand-painted Maple Wood Skateboard

Mondrian-inspired mailbox includes Mondrian's story inside.

Pedigree: Engineering degree from Rutgers University; Accessory Design degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Currently earning MFA in Industrial Design at Pratt Institute.
Has designed for Calvin Klein, LeSportSac and Coach.

International pursuits: Recently returned from Mexico with a group of designers that individually worked one-on-one with local artisans to create their one-of-kind, handcrafted creations. In his collaboration, he and the artisan produced a metal, leather and hand-knitted lounge chair. Keith is headed to Japan next!
Hammock-inspired chair by Blacksmith & Cobbler


Artist statement: The underlying theme for my work is simple, rustic and modern. It has to be interesting and it has to be challenging. I am also very technical, both in my idea generation and execution. I enjoy works that create simplicity through complex considerations.


Shop Now! Prices range from $28-$170.




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