Nov 2022 / Designer of the Day: William Guillon
Deeply inspired by H.R. Giger’s biomechanical visuals and sci-fi world construction, William Guillon hand-sculpts unique bronze lighting and props infused with drama, darkness and romance that wouldn’t seem out of place in a Gothic style. castle. The latest collection of the Bordeaux talent, a very textural range of vases, bowls, candlesticks and other curiosities in white bronze called Omnia Vanitas (“All Is Vanity”), counts with existential questions around impermanence and the passage of time. As he says, “All I want is to escape from reality.”
BY RYAN WADDOUPS 07 NOVEMBER 2022
Here we ask designers to take a selfie and give us a glimpse into their lives.
Age: 32
Profession: Designer and artist.
Instagram: @william.guillon
Hometown: Toulouse.
Location of the workshop: Bordeaux.
Describe what you make: I like to think of myself as making “relics of the future,” but I guess that doesn’t really help me understand what I do on a daily basis. To be more precise, I draw, design and create bronze lighting and accessories. My practice is on the border between sculpture and design. The term “Functional Art” describes well the creative space in which my work evolves.
The most important thing you have designed to date: the collection that best represents my work and philosophy is LV-426. It is a collection of chandeliers and sconces in cast bronze and porcelain. It is inspired by the universe of H.R GIGER, who is one of my heroes. The Alien movie had a very strong impact on me when I was young, and in a way I tried to recreate the impression that this movie made me the first time I saw it. As with most of my pieces, I don’t use molds – I sculpt each piece for each order from scratch. No two pieces are ever the same. I am very attached to this collection, and I have an almost intimate connection with it.
Describe the problem your work solves: My work helps people escape from reality.
Describe the project you’re currently working on: The largest piece I’ve ever made, a 51-inch-high cast bronze mirror that can hold candles on its frame – the perfect piece for a gothic mansion! The mirror part is a polished bronze foil. It took a lot of time and special know-how. I am very proud to have done it for Objective Gallery (Shanghai and New York). I was pushed to my limits, which is always a mixture of excitement and anxiety. A new or upcoming project that we should be aware of: Since May, I’ve been working on 20 new pieces that will be officially unveiled on November 9th! The collection is called OMNIA VANITAS, which are sculptural accessories such as vases, bowls, candlesticks and curiosities… The peculiarity of this collection is that it is made of white bronze, a special variety with a silver color instead of gold. This collection is about the impermanence of everything, the passage of time and the place and role of objects in our lives.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: My headphones of course! I listen to music, podcasts, and shows all day. I can’t do anything without them. I’d rather not work than work in silence. Plus, a serving of almonds and a few bottles of vegan milk are always good. What you do when you’re not working: For the past two years, I’ve been working almost all the time, every day of the week. I guess I won’t be able to stand this rhythm anymore, but for me, work is almost a way of life, a philosophy. Dedicating myself entirely to my art is something I’ve always dreamed of since I was a teenager. When I’m not working, I need to relax and rest. I sleep, I meditate, I play video games, I go to the movies… and I draw of course!
Sources of creative desire: There are so many… For the dead I will stick to the essentials: Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick have literally obsessed me for years! Also, H.R Giger is at the center of my universe. The others: Jun Takahashi, Rick Owens, Michèle Lamy, Rei Kawakubo, Jojo Corvaia, Niclas Wolf, Andrès Monier, Tilda Swinton, Sigourney Weaver, Vincenzo De Cotiis, Dim Atelier, and many others!
The distraction you want to eliminate: Probably my phone. It’s one of my most useful tools but can also be a walking nightmare when it comes to multiple notifications, emails, calls…
Concrete or marble? Marble.
Building or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens, come!
Dark or light? Is this a provocation? DARK!
