Flynn Talbot designs light – and therefore also luminaires. The 34-year-old designer caused a stir with his “Horizon” screen installation at the “Smart Light Sydney Festival” and most recently with “Primary”, a jagged object that revolves around primary colors in their different guises. Following his first, monumental spherical table lamp “X&Y”, whose form toys with the shadow cast over one half of the Moon, it is with luminaires like “Latitude”, “Mesh Space” and “Polair” that the Australian is also active on the commercial market. Whereas “Latitude” (manufactured by Innermost) with its steel-wire encasing is playful and reduced, the aluminum “Mesh Space” for Resident and “Polair” with its glass body boast a considerably more refined design and lighting effect. That is what Talbot is all about: how light impacts on people, and changes space and life.
Flynn Talbot
Whowhatwherewhenhow?
Where would you like to live?
London! I’m moving there in September.
Your favorite character in the history of design?
I’m going to cheat a little and say the architect Louis Kahn. His monumental public buildings create a sense of awe and wonder. It’s something I am conscious of when developing new projects.
Which qualities do you admire in a designer?
Curiosity, friendliness and openness.
What do you enjoy doing most?
Being outdoors.
Your main personality trait?
Light heartedness. I’m serious about my work but overall I like my life to be fun.
Your biggest mistake?
I know what I want and I push very hard to make sure a product or installation with my name on it is as good as it can be. Not for myself but for the consumer or viewer. I want people to have the best. But of course in reality there are always compromises. I try to be flexible on my projects but when it comes to the details I don’t compromise. My biggest mistake is letting one or two things slip through the net due to other people’s laziness or lack of detail. Some small problems still annoy me to this day.
Your idea of happiness?
A simple life with a balance between work, travel, fitness and time with my wife.
What do you find really annoying?
When people don’t try hard enough! I often see projects where it’s obvious what the designer or artist’s vision was, but the execution is poorly done. There could have been an opportunity to get lost in a project but if my mind gets stuck on bad detailing I feel let down for myself and for the general public.
Your favorite material?
No such thing for me. I made a decision early on to always be evolving, learning and growing and never limit myself to materials, colours or styles.
Your favorite flower?
Frangipani. They are common where I grew up in Australia and they love warm weather, like me.
What kind of music do you listen to when you work?
Lately I’m listening to “U-Bahn” electro playlist on Spotify. I’ve filtered out some of the songs but generally it’s upbeat and gets me psyched for doing my work. And it reminds me of my time in Berlin.
Which design achievement do you most detest?
When style beats function. There are many examples of this on the market.
Which talent would you like to have?
Patience.
Can you describe your present state of mind?
Energized. 2015 has been amazing for me already and there’s more to come.
Your motto?
“Nothing into Something“ is tattooed on my arm. For me it means… don’t stop with an idea, turn it into reality i.e. do the hard work. Turn yourself into something great. Keep pushing and keep trying hard.
