Phoenix is brimming with creativity. And every other year, we put the spotlight on 100 of the city's creative forces. Leading up to the release of this year's Best of Phoenix issue, we're profiling 100 more. Welcome to the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives. Up today: 78. Levi Christiansen.
Spare, sleek, sturdy.
Levi Christiansen's furniture is all of the above. He launched his eponymous line of home goods, including tables, chairs, and accessories, in November of 2013 and then executed a successful Kickstarter campaign to raise $10,000, which went toward newer tools and locally sourced materials.
See also: Scottsdale Artist Lauren Strohacker: 100 Creatives
The 28-year-old designer is based in downtown Phoenix. "I'm always working on a new piece of furniture, a photo project, or some décor related item," he says, adding that his next big project involves launching a new chair design and décor in fall or early winter.
I came to Phoenix with a little bit of money, and a lot of ideas.
I make art because there is an unbearable inner guilt and shame if the desire to create is ignored. It's all very Catholic I suppose.
I'm most productive when I'm alone.
My inspiration wall is full of mostly furniture designs I'm jealous of and creatives who are innovative thinkers.
I've learned most from. . . I think learning is a curation of experiences, But anything that challenges my perspective, ideas, or what I create is usually a steep learning curve. If someone can define learning the most from one thing, I think they are going about life all wrong.
Good work should always. . . sometimes good work is dramatic and wrought with implication. Sometimes good work is good just good because it's beautiful. Sometime good work is good because it is funny. Good is content in the proper context.
The Phoenix creative scene could use more people like Vidal Sassoon, and more shared art studios.
See the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives:
100. Bill Dambrova 99. Niki Blaker 98. Jeff Slim 97. Beth May 96. Doug Bell 95. Daniel Langhans 94. Nanibaa Beck 93. Nicole Royse 92. Ib Andersen 91. Casandra Hernandez 90. Chris Reed 89. Shelby Maticic 88. Olivia Timmons 87. Courtney Price 86. Travis Mills 85. Catrina Kahler 84. Angel Castro 83. Cole Reed 82. Lisa Albinger 81. Larry Madrigal 80. Julieta Felix 79. Lauren Strohacker