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Design in Depth | Natalia Subira

We had a chance to sit with the designer of this week's collection of bright, acrylic trays. An avid photographer, Natalia Subira was interested in finding ways to make the photos more than just art, but also a compelling and useful part of everyday life.

1. Where did you get the inspiration to do bright acrylic accessories?

I've always been interested in photography. Once my daughter left for college, I started dedicating more time to it and would go on excursions to Old San Juan, the flower markets, the beach, and the countryside.

I was eager to find a way to give the photographs a more practical use. During one of my morning runs, one of my fellow joggers mentioned a dinner party coming up and we talked about how my photographs might fit in, and the idea came up in that conversation. 

2. How do you choose your subjects?

I love flowers! I worked at a flower shop for a couple of years and remember every time the flower deliveries came in. It was like Christmas! Every flower has distinct qualities that make it beautiful and I'm inspired by how nature always changes. 

3. Life's a learning process. What's the best lesson you've come across running your own business?

We make every single tray to order and a lot of work and thought goes into each creation. There's a lot to learn - everybody has an opinion or an idea on how a certain product can be changed or different. I've learned to listen and find the points that I can work with. It takes a lot of patience and persistence is a must.

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Inventive watches to keep it classy | Design in Depth

We recently interviewed one of our favorite watch designers, Crispin Jones, who hails from London and creates a very unusual line of thoughtful, well-designed timepieces. Intrigued to learn more, we asked Crispin to share his story with you. (Note: this interview has been condensed and edited.)

Which watch started you on the path you’re on today?

The Chromachron, designed by Tian Harlan in 1971. It’s very aesthetic and its design was driven by Tian Harlan’s belief that people were slaves to time. He designed it to be a more relaxed timekeeper.

This was the watch that I wore before starting to design watches and the fact that it has a disc-hand definitely set me on the road to thinking about what could be achieved with this format of display. It was a direct influence on the design and underlying philosophy of the Cyclops line of watches (for ladies and men).

Inspiration varies for every designer and every creation - where do you find yours?

This is a difficult question because it varies so much, and generally you don’t find inspiration when you’re looking for it!

I get inspired by moments when a chain of thoughts gels together. For instance, I was thinking it would be nice for a watch to have a hidden message on its face. (I don’t know why, I just thought it would be neat.)

I started thinking about the kind of message a person might want to hide - perhaps an intimate secret, maybe something romantic - like an expression of love the person only wanted to share with the wearer of the watch.

Has your style or thought process changed over time?

No, I don’t think so. I believe maintaining the freedom to think openly is hard work. I consciously don’t think at all about how a watch design would be received, nor about how well it would sell. I focus on making as pure an expression of a concept as I am able.

I studied fine art and very early in my student days, I came across David Smith’s, “Questions for students,” a list of questions that provide an important tool to reflect on one’s creative endeavors.

At Beehattan, we’re thankful that designers like Crispin can share their design insights behind their creations. Take a closer look during this week’s collection.

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What would your high school self say?

Overheard at a restaurant as a couple are choosing a wine for their meal

Guy: ...I'll pass on the merlot. It's heavy on black fruit and I usually go for something else.

Server: Certainly. I'll bring out your other choice.

Guy: (After server leaves) I can't believe I just said that. If the high school version of me heard this, he'd be shocked.

Gal: What would he say?

Guy: You first - what if your high school self heard you say that?

Gal: Hm...I think my high school self would think that she made it. She's successful, she's enjoying life, and all that hard work she's done is putting her in a good place. And she's with someone she loves. What about you?

Guy: What would my high school self say?

Gal: Yeah.

Guy: What a tool!

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                                           Passed a soda delivery truck with this sign on the back. Welcome to the front lines of the War on Sugar! Expect "heavy" casualties...

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This morning was unexpectedly moving

While sitting and waiting for the train to work on a raised, open platform, shivering in the below freezing air, a very curious coincidence occurred.

The wind was whipping in the occasional flake of snow - a few here, a few there - providing a wintry reminder against the backdrop of a cold, unilluminated sky.

As the sun shook off its cloudy cover, it lit up the sky at the same time the snowfall grew heavier.

For a fraction of time, perhaps only a minute or two, the brilliant sunrise and light flurries of snow combined to create a subtle spectacle. While the streets below teemed with the patter of everyday life, the snowflakes twirled above their heads, catching and reflecting the morning light.

For a fleeting moment, all was right in the world.

Then the train came.

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A Happy Holidays from Beehattan

We wish you all a very merry holiday season and hope everyone finds time to relax and enjoy this special time with their family and friends.

So whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, or nothing at all because what would be the point given that the Mayan prophecy will come to pass and - OH, I see it! It's a bright white light! It's getting brighter - wait. No, that's just the light indicating I'm running out of battery.

Whew, false alarm. In all seriousness, Happy Holidays!

Cheers,

Beehattan

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Placed on hold over the phone and the waiting music is an INSTRUMENTAL version of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The same 5 notes are playing over and over and over and over again. #thinkHappyThoughts #holidaysAreHere

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Being thankful

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! The Beehattan family enjoyed a quiet holiday with family and friends gathered around the table.

We asked some of our folks what they were thankful for this year:

"For once I got the turkey right, after ruining the last 2 years' holiday meals thanks to culinary incompetence. Third year's the charm!"

"It's a good thing you can never add too much bourbon to a dessert. (*wink*)"

"Listening to Rebecca Black's 'Friday' to get pumped for all the shopping on Black Friday. Get it? Rebecca Black's Friday? It's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on -- hey, where are you going?"

"I love my family and all, but...(pregnant pause)...it's great it's only once a year."

In all seriousness, we're very thankful to have a moment to reflect and enjoy the moment with those we love most. In particular, we keep our thoughts with those who were affected by Hurricane Sandy and wish them all a speedy recovery.

Finally, thank you being a part of Beehattan. We're grateful to share the magic of intelligent design with you for another year, and look forward to many more to come.