MIAD’s annual sale of student and alumni art and design work is November 30 through December 2, 2017. More than 120 artists and designers are participating this year. Here’s a Behind the Scenes look at the work and inspiration for two of the MIAD Holiday Sale participants.
Mushroom Lamps | Justin Thao
Justin Thao ’14 (Industrial Design)
My work for sale
My first product is a portable LED lamp surrounded by paper, giving you a unique, decorative and functional light. I have a found a way to merge invaluable materials into something of value, and something innovative. My overall goal is to give origami a new and functional purpose. Origami doesn’t have to collect dust anymore.
My inspiration
My love for origami began way back in elementary school. I just knew how to work with folding paper, and understood the fundamentals of origami. This overwhelming passion to create origami designs filled my mind every day. Today, everything in my life continues to lead me toward creating a brand like no other. I manufacture my lamp bases in my brother’s basement, while printing the folds in my apartment. My future goal is to manufacture my work in the US, and create jobs for those nearby.
Why I’m participating in the MIAD Holiday Sale
Participating in the sale allows me to become a salesman, understand what works for the customers, and find the right price point. It’s necessary to wear many hats as an entrepreneur to steer my business toward the right path. It is satisfying when customers come back and describe how amazing my work is!
Paula DeStefanis ’85 (Illustration)
My work for sale
I will be selling my abstract oil paintings. The series I’ll be exhibiting is from my 2017 collection, “The Distressed Series.”
My inspiration
Painting is instinctual to me. I can’t live without the act of painting. I am fascinated by color and texture. Currently, I am focusing on the textures of the aging process. I especially love the patinas created by aged metals, paints and the textures of wood.
Why I’m participating in the MIAD Holiday Sale
It brings me back to my first real art home. It means a lot. Both my son and I are MIAD graduates.
