Maker Monday An Aspire Exclusive Interview With Marissa Geoffroy

From a New York native to an established West Coast resident, artist Marissa Geoffroy has surpassed just about every hurdle in the art and design world. Whether painting, photography, or sculpture, human perception remains as her design philosophy throughout her works and mediums. Geoffroy has been an educator, exhibitionist, winner of countless prestigious awards, and is now the Creative Director of luxury bathroom finishes, door hardware, and home accessories company Sherle Wagner International. She’s put her own creativity into this renowned company and has assisted in showcasing Sherle Wagner products in many publications like Luxe and aspire design and home. Introducing this week’s Maker Monday, Marissa Geoffroy.

The interchangeable light fixture above is the Mode Tier Ceramic Table Lamp. It allows for total customizability from base, to bulb, and beyond.

The interchangeable light fixture above is the Mode Tier Ceramic Table Lamp. It allows for total customizability from base, to bulb, and beyond.

Andrew Joseph: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
Marissa Geoffroy: One of my favorite parts of being at Sherle Wagner International is working closely with clients to create the pieces of their design dreams. Sherle Wagner International has endless customization options realized through our wide range of metal finishes, ceramic colors, and semi-precious gemstones. And because we are vertically integrated, we have the capability to create fully custom creations from scratch! My dream client takes advantage of our vast material options and specialized manufacturing techniques to create something truly spectacular for every room of the house, including bath fittings, fixtures, and accessories, door and cabinet hardware, and lighting. I especially enjoy projects that include large-scale stone pieces like solid carved tubs and then incorporate the beautiful natural stone throughout, utilizing it for moldings, fireplaces, and more!

Andrew: What are you most proud of?
Marissa: When my grandfather started the company in 1945, he began a legacy that I am proud to continue as the third generation leading the brand. I draw inspiration from his creativity, vision, and passion for art to create collections that are relevant for today. And I am so proud of the level of skill and technique of our highly specialized artisans – I love to be in our factory in Fall River, Massachusetts to witness them at work and to brainstorm with them to find new ways to use ceramic, metal, and stone.

Innovative, but historically sensitive hardware is exactly what Sherle Wagner International makes sure to offer customers who value the luxury of customization.

Innovative, but historically sensitive hardware is exactly what Sherle Wagner International makes sure to offer customers who value the luxury of customization.

Andrew: Favorite piece of clothing you own?
Marissa: In the summertime, I love anything linen. Oversized linen shirts are almost a uniform for me in July and August – they help me stay cool and comfortable while running around the factory, and they work great as a swim coverup when I return to my family’s Cape Cod home.

Andrew: If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?
Marissa: I always wish I had more time to make my own art! In addition to working as Sherle Wagner International’s Creative Director, I have a fine art practice that includes painting, sculpture, abstract photography. I never get to spend as much time in the studio as I would like, so I am lucky that my work at Sherle Wagner also challenges me creatively.

Created to amplify your bathroom, the Cut Crystal Empire Lever Faucet provides classic style with versatility. Choose which finish best compliments your space and create your bathroom sanctuary.

Created to amplify your bathroom, the Cut Crystal Empire Lever Faucet provides classic style with versatility. Choose which finish best compliments your space and create your bathroom sanctuary.

Andrew: What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
Marissa: It is inspiring to me that today end-users/clients have more ideas about what they are looking for. The homeowner has become more of a partner to the designer; through an abundance of imagery online and elsewhere, they are more easily able to form their own ideas about style. And they are being bold with design – whether it be through the hyper-contemporary or a return to more ornate historically-inspired looks that we are seeing in maximalist spaces. We have products to fit either taste, and I especially love when clients dare to combine the two! We are seeing more spaces that use the intricate designs of our founding – like our famous swan and dolphin faucets – in fun and contemporary environments.

Andrew: Where is the first place you want to travel now that everything is opening up?
Marissa: My husband and I were supposed to honeymoon in Japan in March 2020…and we are really hoping to take that trip sometime in the near future. I once spent 36 hours in Tokyo, and have been wishing to go back ever since. I am really looking forward to experiencing the art and design and finding inspiration in it – Japanese ceramicists have been innovating and pushing the boundaries of the material for thousands of years! And we have a long list of restaurants across the country that we cannot wait to try!


About The Maker | Marissa Geoffroy moved from New York to the Bay Area in 2014. She received her MFA in Fine Art from California College of the Arts (CCA).

Marissa is a painter, photographer and sculptor. She is intrigued by spaces and architecture, and by the philosophical implications of human perception.

She is also a founding member of Borderline Art Collective, which aims to support local artists, provide a venue for discourse, and expand art appreciation in the Bay Area.


Andrew Joseph is a regular contributing editor for aspire design and home magazine. See more of his work here.

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