Overt Cove

Q&A with Overt Cove


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

Dobbs Ferry, New York. I was fortunate enough to be in close proximity to the city(NYC) which really allowed me to see a broader view of the world. My parents would take me to MOMA and the Whitney or even just Chinatown. And I think these experiences fostered in me the idea that there are other ways of thinking, other ways of living, at a very young age. The idea that things can be weird and strange, different, and unique but still have a home and an audience in this world.


What’s the most prized object you own?

If I was pressed to say it would have to be an old vintage glass bottle from my Dad’s collection: a torpedo shaped Cochrane bottle for carbonated beverages. It’s not an expensive piece or anything, it just reminds me of going to old defunked dump sights and digging like an archeologist with him, which is how we got this one. I also love the fact that it has such a weird and satisfying shape based on a very specifically designed purpose that has lost its meaning today to most people but for the era was a necessity. It makes it a sort of design time capsule. Jim Croce sh*t.


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

To get them out of my head. If I didn’t they’d simply live there. Taunting me. Forever.


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

The Y2K futurism trend is something that is not really my thing. I didn’t like it when it was happening back at the turn of the century so I don’t understand the desire for it to return now. But who knows maybe some great things will come out of its resurgence. Like cybersigilism inspired home goods. 🤷‍♂️


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

Right now I’d say fabric. The way 2D drawings can transform into real life 3 dimensional shapes by simply stitching them together still surprises and confounds me.


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

Probably some sort of rocking chair, to replace the pacing. Definitely some sort of drink holder in the arm. The chair must also contemplate silently and be placed on a porch.


Tell us about something that inspires you.

Sea bricks. Like sea glass, but just old eroded bricks. The found organic geometry from such a common manmade shape has always captivated me. They’re also a constant reminder that time is going to be my constant collaborator in everything I make, so I better be open to its suggestions.


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

Create a business plan. One that deals with actual money.


Any advice for young designers?

Just start making stuff, getting stuff produced, getting your unique voice out there. The more you do, the more comfortable you’ll be doing it and your work will just get better because of the confidence you’ll gain.

*I fully realize the contradictions of this question/answer and the previous.


Any regrets?

Of course.


~