James Burial

Q&A with James Burial


Where did you grow up? How did it influence you?

I grew up in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California. It was a weird place to grow up, I think. There was this mix of hippy and conservative culture that was less than conducive to art and design. I more was influenced by the surrounding nature and family backpacking trips into the Sierras and, ultimately, it spurred a desire to expand my aesthetic search outward.


What’s the most prized object you own? Why?

A painted gourd lamp that my dad made and gifted to me. I have many sentimental objects, but this represents a rare time that he did something purely creative.


In a world overflowing with objects, why continue making new things?

I don't make things because people need more objects; I make things that I need to make and hope people connect with them.


What design movement, current or historic, do you think is the most overrated and why?

Who am I to argue with the ratings?


What’s your favorite material to work with and why?

Wood. I like the way it feels. I like that there are layers to be revealed.


If you designed a chair describing your relationship with your father, what would it look like?

A comfortable lounger that you love so much, but over the course of a couple hours gets very annoying to sit in.I love you, Dad!


Tell us about something that inspires you.

Organisms without brains. Perfectly straight lines. Globs. The word "looming." The deepest sea. The outerest space.


What would you do differently if you started your practice today?

I would have more professional photos taken of my work. For so long I would finish a piece, delivery it to a client, snap a haphazard photo and call it done.


Any advice for young designers?

Don't worry too much about doing thingsh the right way, but learning a craft will help you make weirder stuff later; it's a "learn the rules to break the rules" sitch. And take photos.


Any regrets?

I should've started sooner.


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