Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Yasmine.
Hi Richard, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am an interior architect and product designer, I use my imaginary world as a simulation to create new objects inspired by my city, life, emotions, and social issues, but I also focus on internal chaos combined with a certain innate sensitivity; extreme and provocative or even not expected by others but still minimal, bold, and straightforward without disguising reality.
I never tend to identify the difference between reality and imagination this is what helps me create intriguing and controversial design objects yet complicated in the process of production. In addition, I’m attracted to highlights on social problems and cultural taboos and raise awareness whenever its possible. I remember since I was young, I was so attracted to shapes, colors, fabrics, and materials…
My single hobby was drawing dresses and houses on any paper around, I’ve been told I’m a talented little boy… These were my very first memories and a solid base in the structure of my personality. Not to mention my love for art, architecture, and the History of art, therefore I studied interior architecture and product design. Since it was the start of my career. now I am adding a new master’s to my career path in art critics and curating.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t imagine there is a smooth path in any field, we need always to work hard to reach our goals, not to mention creativity, industrial design, art… etc, are classified in the high-end yet luxury sector even if a design is useful nevertheless it’s not a necessity for the global mass, therefore, it’s the last however the least matter that the government care of, it’s even not on their schedule… adding if you are not connected to powerful people here you can’t succeed this is why we must go abroad to succeed and show our talent…..
My career was my childhood dream and I always focus on making my dreams come true, I started traveling 15 years to Milan, visiting the “Salone del Mobile” and seeking how to get the possibility to showcase my work in Milan, at that time it wasn’t easy at all like nowadays. It was a personal effort until it happened in 2016 my first opportunity to collaborate in the design week, subsequently, international press and magazines started to write about my work and some of my work went viral on social media and blogs, that’s how the name started to get known in the field.
However after being well established the struggles are back again in 2020 specifically after all the circumstances we passed through in Lebanon since the revolution, to the economic crisis passing by the pandemic until the blast, but when there is a will there’s always a way to resolve problems, Lebanese are known for the strength, pride, resilience, hope and above all for the love of life. While Beirut is known for being rebellious and wild, glamorous and affectionate, it’s a pure contradiction but a symbol of the post-resurrection. We always rise again to stand up gloriously.
As you know, we’re big fans of RICHARD YASMINE STUDIO. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Well, we are an interior architecture and design studio, we work on the conception and execution of interior spaces from residential to commercial and public spaces and we are known for our collectible design collections including multiple furniture items such as tables, chairs, armchairs, room dividers, cabinets, lighting, and various home accessories.
As Middle Eastern and specifically Lebanese, we are concerned to reflect a dynamic representation of Beirut and Lebanon therefore I Include continuously an additional methodology in each of my projects related to my culture and ritual by choosing the lines, shapes, and materials also by collaborating with skilled craftsmen, occasionally in a muddled development conversely with a clean and sharp outcome.
My ultimate concern is to keep integrating this Middle Eastern / Lebanese soul in the procedure of each of my products which I define as sober, geometric, ornamented, rhythmic, poetic, and nostalgic. Always proud of highlighting social matters and raising awareness through the storytelling of each of our collections.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Blogs and books are essential for research, when apps and new technologies are indispensable for the development of the work social media is the key to exposure and making a social connection or communication with the readers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.richardyasmine.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/richard.yasmine
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/richardyasmine
Image Credits
Mike Malajalian, Amir Farzad, and BizarreBeirut
