Formed For was founded by two creative souls, together in union, fueled by a desire to express the human experience through concepts, forms, and immersive designs. Gavin and Kelley Brodin collaboratively design thought-provoking and elegant sculptures that promote a harmonious environment and evoke feelings of peacefulness and connection. With a combined 30 years of experience in luxury design and art, Formed For sculptures are the true expression of their combined inspirations and fueled by their love and connection for one another.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Kelley Brodin: Our decision to become a collaborative husband-wife artist team stemmed from our shared passion for stories told through a sculptural lens. With Gavin’s expertise in luxury interior design and my extensive experience as a botanical artist, our collaboration allows us to blend our unique talents into innovative and captivating art pieces. Our partnership not only enhances our creative process but also deepens our personal connection, as we draw inspiration from each other’s strengths and perspectives. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of our art, creating works that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
COMPLEXITY is a thought-provoking sculpture that embodies the intricate and multifaceted nature of life.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
KB: Intentional: Our sculptural designs are created with a deep sense of purpose and intention. Each piece is carefully thought out, with every line, texture, and form selected to convey a specific message or evoke a particular emotion. This intentionality ensures that our work is not only visually compelling but also rich with meaning and significance.
Dynamic: We strive to create sculptures that convey a sense of energy and movement. This dynamism is achieved through the interplay of materials, textures, and forms, giving our pieces a vibrant and ever-changing presence. The dynamic nature of our work invites viewers to explore and engage with the sculpture from multiple angles.
Harmonious: Our collaboration emphasizes the harmony between different materials and artistic styles. We create pieces that seamlessly integrate contrasting elements. This harmonious fusion results in sculptures that are both visually balanced and conceptually cohesive.
AJ: How do you approach a new design project?
KB: When Gavin and I approach creating a new bespoke sculpture design for a client, we begin by deeply understanding their vision, preferences, and the intended space for the piece. We engage in detailed discussions and often visit the location if possible to grasp the environment and context. We then brainstorm and sketch initial ideas to create a concept that harmonizes with the client’s desires. Throughout the process, we maintain open communication with the client, presenting drafts and refining the design based on their feedback. Our goal is to create a bespoke sculpture that not only meets but exceeds the client’s expectations, reflecting their unique style while showcasing our collaborative artistic synergy.
OASIS presents a striking contrast between the natural and artificial, symbolizing resilience, adaptability, and the human desire to leave a mark. The mirrors reflect the desert’s beauty, inviting reflection on the interconnectedness of nature and human intervention.
AJ: What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on and how did you overcome it?
KB: Due to the fact that we mainly work on a monumental scale, engineering and installation of large-scale sculptures can be quite challenging, which is why we provide full white glove service. On a recent project, we had to install a 2000lb sculpture in the backyard of a residence that had no direct access to the installation site. Gavin and I designed the sculpture in 3 separate segments, that could then be craned over the house and installed like interlocking puzzle pieces on the installation site. It was a very creative and effective design that allowed us to exceed the client’s full vision.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
KB: Gavin and I stay inspired by immersing ourselves in diverse sources of creativity and beauty. We love to travel and find inspiration from all across the globe from food, to fashion and design. Architecture, with its blend of form, function, and aesthetic, provides us with ideas for structure and design, influencing how we approach the spatial aspects of our sculptures. Nature is a constant source of wonder for us; the organic shapes, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors of the natural world deeply inform our work. By taking long walks, visiting botanical gardens, and exploring different landscapes, we find endless inspiration. Sometimes a particular cloud formation will resonate, or an old growth tree. This blend of artistic influences, architectural marvels, and natural beauty fuels our creativity and keeps our work fresh and dynamic.
AWAKEN THE NIGHT is a captivating sculpture that embodies the mysterious and enchanting allure of the nocturnal world.
AJ: How do you stay up to date on the latest technology in design?
KB: Gavin and I utilize a design program called Gravity Sketch, on the Oculus VR headset. We are able to mold our sculptures using a “digital clay” in the metaverse, and export the resulting 3d model that is then used to fabricate the full-scale real-life sculpture in the desired material. We take courses and study the latest tutorials to stay up to date on the current technology and programs to ensure we are using them to their full capacity. These programs are constantly being enhanced, and the more we learn, the deeper level of detail in our sculpture design can be achieved.
We are also in the process of creating an immersive interactive website, the first of its kind, where clients can select and drop their desired sculpture into a photograph or render of their space, with the ability to change scale and materials. This will be a great tool to help the client visualize the art in place.
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