It is hard to miss the humoristic elements that London-based designer
Oscar Narud lends his products and creations. Drawing from an early age and being
the “keen observer of people who enjoys picking up on their various rituals and habits” that he is,
he discovered product design as a way “of channelling my drawing” and “a route to realizing a lot of
my observations and ideas into physical objects.” After graduating from the Royal College of Art he
became a founding member of the design collective OKAY studio in 2006.
INMYX:
A lot of your products have practical and certain humorous characteristics. Is that what we need? More
enjoyment when we go about the intricacies of life every day?
Oscar Narud: Yes,
why not? Although I do think these various elements should have a hierarchy. Functionality is essential
for any object intended to serve a purpose or fulfil a task. Humor cannot rescue an object that doesn’t
fulfil its criteria for being in the first place, however it can give an already functional object the
edge it needs. An alternative edge than resorting to, e.g., expensive materials or processes, excessive
styling etc. – increasing the value but not the cost!
INMYX:
Why is a Neighbor Knocker absolutely indispensable?
Do you personally use it to "interact" with your neighbors?
Narud: I’m
not so sure it’s indispensable, but it is a good example of the way I like to work, drawing from everyday
scenarios and human behavior. The product came about when I moved into a very small flat, central London,
and discovered that although you might have your own space you most definitely were very much a part
of your neighbors’ lives and vice versa. In frustration one night, I started scheming ideas on how
to get the upper hand on my neighbor upstairs – hence the idea of the “neighbor knocker” came about.
In short, it’s very much a “mechanical” substitute for the old broomstick!
INMYX:
The cardboard installation at the Aram Gallery design exhibition New Moves certainly brings out the
best of the different lamp designs. What inspired you to do that?
Narud: An early
criterion became to find a way to show the lamps in a ‘natural’ habitat without ‘stealing’ too much
attention from the objects on show. I found a very ‘standard’ office scenario would be well suited and
slightly humorous. By constructing the office out of white cardboard boxes – reminiscent of the standard
white plinth – and drawing familiar office furniture and appliances, I was able to create the right
scenario in which to show the lamps without over-riding them, while simultaneously adding my mark through
my style of drawing …
Link:
www.oscarnarud.com
