Realm
Realm is a design studio and workshop with a taste for aberrant and eclectic design. Experimental in its approach, Realm offers unique and bespoke objects and furniture handcrafted in Baltimore.
Founded by artists Ian Murphy and Stevie Pniewski, Realm was conceived to be a creative atelier where off-kilter form and playful expression is synthesized with their mutual love of ancient crafts and bold ornamentation. With a background in fine arts and over a decade of experience in boutique furniture manufacturing, their collaboration combines fine woodworking, jewelry and metal smithing, leatherwork, upholstery, and detailed sculpting. Embracing the strange and otherworldly, Realm’s vision is constantly morphing, flirting with avant-garde and modern design while maintaining a sense of mischief and seduction.
Q&A with Ian Murphy and Stevie Pniewski of Realm
Where did you grow up? How did it influence you?
Central New Jersey and Central Florida. Growing up in working class towns, we've always been drawn to working with our hands and combining that with an art practice led us towards sculptural, functional work and eventually, furniture. Living in some of the most cultural banal places also motivated us to move to a city, and if we're talking about 'growing up,' Baltimore 100% raised us.
What’s the most prized object you own? Why?
I can't name an object, but I have a prized collection of clown dolls. Some have porcelain heads with hand painted faces and weighted bodies, others are paper mache. I'm just compelled to collect freaky little guys.
In a world overflowing with objects, why continue making new things?
We feel like its important that if you are going to make something new, its is thoughtfully built and designed to either last for a long time, or break down and recycle easily. That said, we are intensely compelled to make objects that fit in our little world and, so far, no one else is doing that.
What design movement, current or historic, do you think is the most overrated and why?
As we enter into the middle of a new century, we are going to say that MCM is the most overrated design movement. As much as it forms the backbone for modern and contemporary design, are we not done beating this horse? It just feels like the 'cool' minimalism of MCM has been usurped to produce cheap, down and dirty junk destined for the landfill.
What’s your favorite material to work with and why?
Leather, because of its utility and versatility. It has so many applications for us, from padding on bases to upholstery. Even in the making process we use scrap leather as cushions on clamps.
If you designed a chair describing your relationship with your father, what would it look like?
Unusable but well-built.
Tell us about something that inspires you.
Worm holes and portals, tall tales and legends, fantasy, primitivism, the abyss...honestly any form of escape from our current plane of existence.
Any advice for young designers?
Make what you want to be known for.
Any regrets?
no regerts.
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