In contemporary furniture design, few names stand out like Troy Smith. A furniture designer, sculptor, painter, and builder, Smith approaches design with an artist’s eye, blending functionality with aesthetic mastery. His journey into the world of limited-edition furniture was born out of curiosity, craftsmanship, and an unyielding passion for beauty.
In this exclusive interview with Curiouz, Troy Smith shares his thoughts on creativity, the challenges of furniture making, and the importance of originality in an industry that thrives on innovation.
Who are you as a furniture designer and artist?
I am a furniture designer, painter, sculptor, and builder. I view the world through the eyes of an artist and notice details and proportions in our built environments. I have honed and trained my eyes for beauty and refinement through self-learning, doing, studying, listening, and practising my craft. I greatly care about designing and crafting functional and visually beautiful works.
How did you fall in love with contemporary furniture design?
Somewhat by chance. I am a trained carpenter and builder. About 13 years ago, when running my construction business, I decided to try my hand at furniture. I wanted to create a second line of income. At this time, I had an interest in fashion and interiors but no formal training or education—just an instinct for design and art. Whoa, did I ever go down a rabbit hole of discovering the history of design? When I started building furniture, the internet provided little information on functional art and design. It required me to dig deep and search the world of collectible design and art. Through learning and discovery over the early years, I discovered contemporary design.
What is the most challenging aspect of designing furniture?
Time and money. Designing and producing quality furniture requires a great idea, resources like office and studio/workshop space, and years of acquired skills. Quality materials, such as tools and machinery, are costly. Depending on your inherent market, you must also understand local and international markets. Depending on your situation, storage and gallery space may also be needed.
Is it essential to celebrate legacy in new furniture pieces?
What is legacy? Is it determined by pieces that sell 50 years after being produced What hasn’t been done in terms of fabrication or design? Understanding furniture’s history is vital to understanding quality and sound design. I design and create things that I believe are interesting and beautiful. Through experience and learning, we evolve our style, which is ever-evolving.
What are your thoughts on replication and counterfeits in furniture design?
They say it’s flattery. But in reality, it’s theft. They know it, and the designer knows it. I think it’s brazen and unethical. Criminals should be dealt with according to the laws. And for that matter, laws should be strengthened to remind those accountable that livelihoods are on the line. The world is full of people who want to make easy money off the backs of hard-working individuals. It’s cowardly, and unfortunately, it’s done by too many people. Many with big names should be ashamed of their actions.
Is the attention to craftsmanship a way to say you care about your clients?
It’s how I say I care about myself for my clients. If these things are not paramount to me, why even get into this business in the first place? The work needs to be done correctly, even the parts you can’t see. My name is on the work, and it’s everything to me to make sure it’s the best it can be.
What are the prerequisites of a distinct contemporary furniture piece?
Good work will showcase materials, proportion, function, detail, quality, beauty and hopefully, strong ideas to show your idea in a new light.
How do you balance functional art with experimentation and distinctiveness?
Classification is left up to the galleries, the public and critics. I think it’s essential to do you. Through time, you develop your style and discover what works for you. Some work sells better. You do have to be aware of these things. You can’t survive on just being an artist. You must also understand markets and business.
What would you never be capable of doing as an artist, sculptor and furniture designer?
Copying someone’s work is not the same as being inspired by it. I would be unable to sell my work in good faith if it does not meet my standards of excellence.
Is it possible to design avant-garde aesthetic pieces without travelling the world?
Anything is possible. Seeing, touching, and seeing work up close is undoubtedly the best way to interact with the world. The more you know, the better. And who doesn’t want to see things up close and personal in another country? It’s about the journey. Plus, you never know who you will meet along the way. Connections are where things happen. Expand your network and put yourself out there. You’ll certainly grow from it and experience new wonders.
Where did the mantra “You can’t just create art; you must give it life” come from, and how does it influence your creative process?
It sprang from the idea to put forth work that says a little more. Something to make you question the piece at hand. Something to spark your interest. Something that has a little more. Something to make you think.
Is functionality what drives creativity, or is it the opposite?
My creativity is born from the excitement of bringing an idea to life. Function is the product of a well-thought-out idea. Creating something that will leave you and others starstruck is exciting.
What was your biggest career mistake or life lesson?
Not finding someone sooner to evaluate my work and give constructive criticism.
Can furniture be art, and how do you reach that status?
Yes, it can be classified as art. But who determines this? There is no metric which can’t be argued against. The artisan perfects his craft. There are many fine craftspeople, but not everyone thinks of a bigger picture of pushing materiality, idea, form and function.
Conclusion: The Artful Vision of Troy Smith in Contemporary Furniture Design
Troy Smith’s approach to furniture design is a testament to the power of instinct, craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. honouring tradition while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design, he creates innovative and timeless pieces. His insights into the challenges, ethics, and artistry of furniture making reveal a designer deeply committed to his craft. As he continues to explore new creative territories, one thing remains certain—his work will leave a lasting impact on the design world.
Photo Credits
Caryn Silverstein - photographer, art director, and stylist. Explore her official Instagram account.
