Mirek Struzik

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Mirek Struzik ("MS") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

MS : I have an extensive background in art, design and technology. I graduated from Academy of Fine Arts in Wroclaw, Poland, I spent 8 years working in industrial design offices and I’m also an experienced machining technician. I’m also an inventor and own several patents.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

MS : Constant amazement with beauty of nature. I design to appreciate it by transferring natural structures from micro to macro scale.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

MS : I mostly design sculpture for public space and wish to work with art as much as possible.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

MS : The most important thing is practice and contact with actual materials.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

MS : A great designer has a lot of practical experience.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

MS : When it’s about sculpture in public space, I take many factors into consideration: if the piece’s scale is adequate, it’s message and character of the surroundings.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

MS : Everyone should invest in good design, because it’s the best way to give things unique character.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

MS : I keep thinking about a technologically advanced kinetic structure.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

MS : My biggest supporter was the Sugarman Foundation in USA. Equally important was a chance to create a series of sculptures for the Botanical Garden of University of Wrocław.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

MS : The main obstacle was the terrible situation in Poland of the communist era. It was impossible to travel and ordinary aspects of life were difficult.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

MS : To have constant satisfaction about the way my works become one with places they are at and how they are appreciated by the crowds.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

MS : They always expect the “WOW” effect by the end of my work.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MS : Art always affects people psychologically in a positive way.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

MS : I’m working developing my idea of Bubble Forest.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

MS : The Dandelions in Dubai, that were awarded as one of the TOP 100 sculptures in public space by CODAworx and Bubble Forest in Nice.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

MS : Six months.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

MS : Technology is of utmost importance in my work. I always work with cutting-edge materials and equipment.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

MS : I work all sorts of power-tools, lasers etc.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

MS : My works undergo a coloristic metamorphosis along with changing time of the day and night. That’s why I choose reflective materials, such electropolished, stainless steel.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

MS : I appreciate the human ingenuity.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

MS : Books about modern art and sculpture by as Katarzyna Kobro and. Kandinsky

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

MS : By building many small-scale models of my designs.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

MS : August Rodin, Katarzyna Kobro, Barbara Hepworth.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

MS : It all evokes stress related with each next project.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

MS : Golden Polish autumn.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

MS : I must satisfy my internal drive to create.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

MS : I was more creative than the other children.