Sculptural Wanderlust: Fernando Mastrangelo
When you think of sculptors, designers, and artists, materials such as wood, paint, possibly even steel come to mind. Mr. Fernando Mastrangelo favors materials such as salt, coffee, and sand to cast character on objects that jut, leap, and gnaw in the most beautiful way possible. He uses his massive Brooklyn studio to build freestanding sculptures, wall hangings, and installations that are often full of contrast, similar to the landscapes he travels to and is inspired by. His work has been commissioned by well-known international brands like Thakoon & Stella McCartney, and his creations have been featured in several reputable publications, including The Wall Street Journal and Architectural Digest.
For the 4th episode of the Day in The Life series, we spent the day visiting some of Fernando’s favorite art studios and learning more about his personal work. See our interview with Fernando below:
How long have you lived in NYC?
14 years.
How would you describe your creative process?
My creative process includes traveling for inspiration. I seek out unique materials and unique landscapes in nature that I then translate into sculpture or furniture. Often I address issues of climate in my works and try to create engaging narratives around the collections or body of works I create.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the awe inspiring landscapes from Patagonia to Iceland. From Turkish salt pools to Yellowstone’s volcanic lagoons. I’m inspired by beauty. I attempt to make things as beautiful as possible, yet rich in content. I’m moved by things that nature sculpts so naturally, which are often very difficult to emulate.
How would you describe your fall style?
Comfort! I wanna feel like I can go to work, then go out to dinner or an event and still look and feel like myself. Artists get away with that, and I’m taking advantage of it.
What does minimalism mean to you?
Reduction. It’s very difficult to reduce an object down to one or two elements and have it be a powerful work. So minimalism is about that reduction. I like to pack in as much texture into minimal objects as possible, but keep the materials as uncomplicated as possible.
What are you favorite NYC spots to relax, eat, have fun, meet friends, etc.?
I love hanging in Greenpoint. You’ll find me at 21, Milk and Roses, and anywhere with a good martini or Aperol Spritz.
What songs will we find on your fall soundtrack?
Anything by Beacon, Majid Jordan, Roy Woods, and Drake is always in the mix.
What materials do you work with?
Sand, salt, powdered glass, coffee, quartz, sugar, silica and many many more…
You recently opened a group exhibition at your Brooklyn studio—what inspired you to host the show?
I was inspired to give young artists and designers a platform to show their work. It’s harder and harder to get visibility in this city, so I wanted to have a show that would hopefully bring some attention to the amazing talent out there today. Also, I wanted to have a launch party for my new studio, which we recently moved into and wanted to have a end of summer event to kick off the last season of the year.
Fernando photographed with Devra Freelander’s Fluorescent Sunrise.
Any big projects coming up that you can share with us?
We just launched a 12 piece rug collection with Edward Fields, that was 18 months in the making. I’m also collaborating with two of my oldest friends on a project for 2018. It involves coal.
What would you consider as your biggest accomplishment to date in your artistic career?
A studio that doesn’t require a gallery to sustain it.
Be sure to follow Fernando on IG here.
