Friday Fifteen with Friends: Adam Siegel
Published: May 13th, 2016
The colorful, large-scale abstract works of Chicago artist and photographer Adam Siegel connect with our senses in surprising and delicious ways. It’s no wonder that top restaurateurs have been featuring his paintings since 2008, when Chef Jean Joho installed his work at his acclaimed French restaurant, Everest. He was also the first artist to exhibit in the salon series at Paul Kahan’s standout, Blackbird. Siegel’s latest project blends art, cuisine and performance in collaboration with celebrity chef and James Beard recipient Grant Achatz and his business partner Nick Kokonas of Alinea, Aviary and Next. Their fourth restaurant, Roister, debuts this month as one the most anticipated openings in Chicago this year. We’re thrilled to present Adam as the subject of this week’s Friday 15 with Friends.
Name: Adam Siegel
Occupation: Artist
Best known for: Works that don’t answer themselves
Antique or modern? Modern with a respect for the antique.
What has inspired or informed your interior style? Growing up in an environment with original Bauhaus furniture and art on the walls and living in Japan- raking the Rock Garden in Kyoto.
Which colors do you use most? I use colors that are specific to each other as opposed to independent. How do I have a deep love for blue.
Favorite materials or textures? I love the surfaces of old paper. It’s like a skin that has absorbed centuries of history and at the same time has the softness of a lover.
How do you make your home double as a work space? My home is a workspace, my workspace is a home, both spaces serve my yearning for a deeper sense of self. To me, there’s nothing like doing drawings on a covered porch when it’s raining. I’m mesmerized by the sound of infinite raindrops making their small mark. It unravels my brain and makes me receptive to things around me.
What household item could you not live without? My Eames aluminum group lounge chairs with Alexander Girard fabric.
What household items are a necessity to host a great party? Wonderful mixed wooden platters – garnished with charcuterie items.
Tips for hosting at home? My mother taught me not to complete all of the food before your guests arrive. Invite them in to finish it with you to make them feel more relaxed. It starts the party off in an intimate direction.
Design rule you love to break? Using color in an unexpected way.
What is your favorite room in your home? The kitchen.
What is your most treasured possession? Sabatier knife from the 1950s.
What is your favorite thing about Chicago—design-related or otherwise? Unquestionably, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe buildings
To which city or country would you move for the design? Tokyo
How would you describe your style? My style has foundations in The Bauhaus with influences and appreciation for the Japanese aesthetic.