bP: Hey Léa, let's go back to your time in Eindhoven. How did your studies there shape your design philosophy and approach?
LM: During my two years at Design Academy, I actually discovered the design gallery world. I started looking at big international galleries' work and discovered a lot of designers I did not know about. It was exciting! I guess it also helped me to see the international side of Functional Art/Design. But you know I was kicked out of school so, it's also gave me the strength to prove that I belong here ahaha.
bP: The titles of your works are often personal names. It's such a fun and unique approach! How do you come up with these names?
LM: Ahahah, first, you have to give names to your collections/objects: I try not to but then it's a mess. So I decided to named the collection Craving For Crépi. And the names came after, when I realized I spend so much time with my lamp, I started to choose colors or textures in similarities with some personalities I know or from a movie or a show. It's fun to humanize them. I have my new collection now Welcome to Mestresville, it's a mosaic object collection, and all the object are name after addresses that inspire me, for example Sheik Zayed Road it's a huge Mosaic lamp name after this massive road from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
bP: Your work has an extraordinary ability to transcend age. What do you think enables your pieces to resonate so deeply across generations?
LM: That's really cool, thank you! I try to do things that make me smile. It's nice to hear what makes me happy to connect with other people. I would like to give people an opportunity to have a break from this anxious world to live in. Take a moment for your imagination. It could be a bit childish for some people, I heard it a lot during my studies. I don't understand why it's a problem. Everything has to be so serious all the time, give me a break ahah.
bP: Colour plays a central role in your work. How do you choose your colour palettes and what emotions or responses do you hope they evoke in your audience?
LM: Everyone has their own relationship with colors: I like colors. Still in this idea of taking a break from the real world, with these bright, light, fun colors. It's also a way to create your own universe. I feel that using colors gave me freedom in a way. I could not say why or how I choose a color, I have no idea, it's a vibe i guess ahah.
bP: Reflecting on your career so far is there a particular piece or project that holds special significance to you?
LM: Tough one. It's a long process of creation. Some pieces are getting closer to what I am looking for, so they have special significance for me but that doesn't mean they are perfect. Like my Ava and Dixie lamp, they really represent that creative moment. I have this new interest in mosaics now. I did the 3 Carrer Del Bau for my show with the Carpenters Workshop Gallery in Paris. It's a mosaic table, it takes me hours to do but it's so cool to do. This one is a special project for me now, it's a new chapter I hope!
bP: You have such a bright future ahead and have already accomplished so much. What advice would you give to aspiring designers who hope to leave their mark on the world of design?
LM: Make it fun!
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