Maker Monday: An Aspire Exclusive Interview With Luke Malaney

Curves and wavy lines define Luke Malaney’s work. This wooden wardrobe mixes light and dark woods together to give an elegant feel to a modern design.

Curves and wavy lines define Luke Malaney’s work. This wooden wardrobe mixes light and dark woods together to give an elegant feel to a modern design.

Luke Malaney is a Brooklyn-based woodworker and artist who crafts whimsical, free-form designs using old-world techniques. Classically trained in carpentry in New York’s Catskill mountains, Malaney moved to Rome where he was further trained by Italian masters. His work can be seen both as stand-alone sculptures and functional pieces of furniture – being true works of art while never sacrificing functionality. Every one of Malaney’s pieces is handcrafted at the time of ordering, to ensure every piece is of heirloom quality. Learn more about Luke Malaney in this week’s Maker Monday.

Building off of the wavy line of Luke’s work the T nightstand features pigmented ash wood. Divots are made into the turquoise wood which offers a juxtaposition in textures.

Building off of the wavy line of Luke’s work the T nightstand features pigmented ash wood. Divots are made into the turquoise wood which offers a juxtaposition in textures.

Andrew Joseph: How would you define your work in three words
Luke Malaney: Whimsical, elegant, true.

AJ: What was your first job?
LM: A yogurt shop, I got fired.

AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be?
LM: A dining table with chairs where every chair is just a bit different.

Playing with color and form, the Sax nightstand is truly one-of-a-kind. The bright yellow foot and deep blue stand are in direct contrast with the jet black leg. The curves and nodules showcase Luke’s whimsy with his designs, and his ability to create art objets that feel fluid despite being constructed with rigid materials.

Playing with color and form, the Sax nightstand is truly one-of-a-kind. The bright yellow foot and deep blue stand are in direct contrast with the jet black leg. The curves and nodules showcase Luke’s whimsy with his designs, and his ability to create art objets that feel fluid despite being constructed with rigid materials.

AJ: Must-have clothing item everyone should have in their closet?
LM: At least one spiffy surprise shirt.

AJ: If you could be any animal in the world, what would it be and why?
LM: A snow leopard because it’s majestic and one of a kind.


About the Maker | Luke Malaney is a Brooklyn-based woodworker and artist whose craft mixes whimsical, free-form design with robust construction and old world joinery. Trained in classic woodworking techniques by Roman old timer Remo Capoli, his pieces walk a fine line between furniture and sculpture without ever sacrificing the most acute attention to detail. His explorations blend the naturalistic with the dream-like while always honoring the importance of functionality and endurance.

 

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