You can’t mention Lindsey Adelman’s name without thinking of her unforgettable, sculptural lighting, which is well-documented in our archives right here. The New York City-based designer began her foray into the industrial design world while working at the famed Smithsonian as an editorial assistant. That first lightbulb went off while observing a woman carving french fries out of foam for an exhibition, which led her back to school at RISD where she received a degree in industrial design in 1996. Lighting design jumped out to her because of its immediate gratification, but that fascination turned into falling for all of the medium’s sculptural and experimental possibilities. After a time in Seattle at Resolute Lighting, Adelman moved to NYC to co-found the lighting company, Butter, with David Weeks in 2000. 2006 saw the opening of her eponymous studio which now employs a team of 20 people who all work on each aspect of the business. Her work as been shown at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Design Miami, Nilufar Gallery, and BDDW, to name a few, and in their spare time, the studio helps support the Robin Hood Foundation that works to fight poverty in New York City. In this week’s Friday Five, the busy designer shares a mix of things she loves. Check it out.
1. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Especially staying at Milarepa.
My family and I love it here for the gorgeous jungle, weather, waves and people.
2. Judd Foundation
Making the ordinary sublime. Impeccably restored space just as Donald Judd left it. Form is laden with concept but never is it over-think-y. I can’t really think of any man-made place to compare it to. Maybe it can be compared to the desert. Makes you want to re-think your entire life.
3. Attaboy Bar
Unmarked entrance on Eldridge Street. It feels like 12 people can fit in there at a time. The cocktails are exceptional.
4. Bird stores in Brooklyn
There are three. Owner Jen Mankins has curated a collection of clothes and jewelry you can wear to make you feel kind of crazy but never outside your comfort zone.
5. Park Avenue Armory
The programming is insane. The stage and seating changes for every single show in the breathtaking Drill Hall. I usually go for the package of 4 shows per season and love the surprises as well as the solid you-know-what-to-expect shows. Highlights from the past for me include the Douglas Gordon show where water starts seeping through the cracks of the floorboards from below to fill the entire space with a flawless, mirror-like surface. Performed by a single pianist. Another highlight was the out of control Paul McCarthy exhibition that still lingers for me.