Entrevista para NEXT Media

La banda de Next Media Blogzine me pidió una entrevista. No sé si ya está en linea, pero se las transcribo acá.



Next Media:
What is your favorite material to work on and why?

José de la O:
I think I don't have a favorite material. I rather choose the exact
material for the right project or design. And choosing the right
production process is as important as choosing a material. Materials
bring the personality of a design. Any object made of wood could
express a totally different thing if it was made of metal or plastic.
I don't like using animal-related products such as ivory or leather,
for respect to animals.

NM:The anti-fly sphere device takes into consideration the cultural
aspects in its design can you tell us more about this design as well
as your inspiration on this project?

JO:I got the inspiration looking at transparent plastic bags filled with
water, hanging from taco's kiosks around Mexico City. It is a popular
belief that, for some reason, hanging this plastic bags will drive
away flies. But nobody knew why. And for some odd reason it works. I
was really curious about this and by doing some research I learned
that the reflection and the refraction of the water contained in the
plastic bag amplifies the colors and movements in the surroundings of
a fly. It works exactly as if you scare a fly with your hand . I guess I just took that concept and made it pretty.
And by creating a device with these purposes not using any pesticides
or a similar contaminating material, it's a plus I'm proud of.

NM: What do you think are the elements that creates a good design?

JO:A balance between proportion, material, production process, and story telling. I'm still trying to reach that. But what I admire the most of
a good design is to see how a complicated problem is cleverly and
sublimely solved.

NM: Childhood dream.

JO:Being a robot! But when I discovered that I actually bleed I turned down that Idea. It was pretty frustrating. Then I wanted to be a
Martial Arts Master, Rock-Star, Car Racer, Spy, Mad Scientist, Soccer
Player, Skateboarding Pro and all that stuff you want to be when you
are young. I guess deeply inside I still want to be all of that. Even
a robot.

NM: What makes you giggle?

JO: Mostly politically incorrect-abusing-offensive jokes. I recently
discover Modern Toss and it makes me laugh a lot. I guess, when it
comes for humor, I don't take stuff too seriously. Even myself.

NM: Lets talk about your ceramic piece, the Sacred Heart, tell us more
about the design and how you come up with its concept, and yes, tell
us also more about your model, Alejandro, who really resembles Jesus :)

JO: Sacred Heart was my first design I produced in a reasonable volume scale.
The Sacred Heart is a medieval symbol that represent Jesus Christ and
his crucifixion. But also, its an icon used a lot in the
mexican-american culture that means sacrifice tough
life. That's why, this icon is used a lot in old school- punk rock
tattoo art. I liked the idea of "steeling" this big religious icon an
turn it around to a more "mundane" object. Kind of a novelty.
And about Alejandro, first of all I don’t think he has nothing to do with modeling, haha, He is a good friend of mine from my hometown. Also he is an
excellent film maker, photographer and musician. The story behind the
picture in my website is as follows: One day, he was helping me to do
some product shots of the Sacred Heart and I just couldn't avoid
asking him if he could pose with the ceramic piece as if he was Jesus.
This situation it's a bit ironic, since he listen to a lot of metal
and I believe he is agnostic. So, in the end, we have a good laugh
about the picture. If you want to know more about Alejandro, check out
his webpage: www.alejandrovoorduin.com


NM: Some designers are inspired when they are depressed, or in a very
unfortunate situations, when these things happens to you..depression,
rejections, how do you deal with the situations, and does this affect
your concentration in terms of design conceptualization and focus?

JO: Inspiration trough depression doesn't work for me in terms of design,
because I believe design must enhance the living of an user, not
bringing him or her down. I do canalize bad vibes in a more personal
level, like doing exercise or playing blues with my guitar. Nothing
feels better to play the blues, when you are feeling down, in a
masochistic sort of way.

NM: In all your designs, which product is your most favorite? and why?

JO: Tricky Question. It's like asking a Dad who is his favorite child!
Every project I do has a place in my heart, because the whole process
of designing a new object is also related to a specific situation in
your life, like learning new stuff and gaining experience. I do have
some bastards children though, and I hope nobody finds out I designed
them...

NM: Design tips and life advises for our readers, including models,
photographers and designers.

JO: What really works for me is trying to being surrounded with people you
admire, that challenge you and inspire you. I've been lucky enough to
work with Mexican Designer Ariel Rojo for the past two years, learning
from his passion, sense of scale and conceptualization, that makes me the
designer I'm today. Also having humbleness to learn new stuff,
stepping out of your confort zone to try new things and not being
afraid to ask.