In Studio with Frank Carfaro

Frank + Hank, the artistic alias of our longtime friend Frank Carfaro, embodies a refined intersection of industrial aesthetics and modern design philosophy. This studio exploration delves into Carfaro’s nuanced approach to materiality, form, and function, highlighting his enduring contributions to contemporary design.

Can you share a bit about your background and what initially drew you to the world of design?

I was introduced to design as a kid. My grandfather was an ironsmith who came to the U.S. from Torino, Italy, in 1923. I was welding at the age of 9 in his shop. You could say design is in the blood.

Don’t Fence Me In

Can you tell us about Desiron and the types of products you designed and built?

Desiron was an incredible 27 years of building a multi-city brand that I started at the Green Flea Market in NYC on the Upper West Side. The cornerstone of the business was our factory, which included metal, wood, and upholstery shops and employed over 50 people. The collection is modern and clean-lined, with an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. It’s often described as architectural in nature.

How did your experience as a successful furniture designer in NYC with Desiron shape your approach to design and creativity?

I was always drawn to using new materials and creating new processes that give them life in a different way. My experiences with Desiron afforded me a more pragmatic approach to design: “Let’s build it and adjust as we go.”

What inspired you to transition from furniture design to creating large-scale sculptural artworks?

The reason I started Desiron was to design and create. Running a company limited my time in the shop, and that’s where I was happiest – creating. Now, that’s my full-time career.

Can you tell us about your current work with Frank + Hank and what motivates your artistic direction today?

I’ve been experimenting with different materials and exploring new processes (saw cuts, torching, etc.). My focus is on combining materials in a way that balances nature and material.

Who are some of your major influences in the art and design world, and how have they impacted your work?

Zaha Hadid, Antony Gormley, Sterling Ruby, Ai Weiwei, and Richard Serra all push the boundaries of mixed materials and scale.

Could you share one or two of your favorite projects from your career, and why they hold a special place for you?

Designing the Vogue Magazine VIP Lounge for Fashion Week was certainly a highlight. Having my furniture selected for public seating at the MoMA, and walking in to see my bench in front of a Jackson Pollock, was jaw-dropping.

Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial concept to the final piece?

I started with the idea of building prototype pieces. As I delved deeper, I realized that the creative process is an evolution of a piece – there's no fixed prototype.

How do sustainability and material choice play a role in your work, both in furniture design and in your sculptures?

Sustainability was a hallmark of Desiron, and we took every measure to use green products. This ethos became a demand for our customers, who were happy to pay for sustainable products. In my art, I focus on using native materials whenever possible.

What are your plans for the future? Are there any new directions or projects you’re particularly excited about?

My recent work involves collaborations with local architects. I am looking for site-specific installations that employ native materials.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and designers who look up to your career and body of work

Start small and dive in. You can have the best-laid plans, but they will invariably change. Don’t overthink it – see where your efforts take you.