Meet Sebastian Boher | Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sebastian Boher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sebastian, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Sebastian: I’m inspired by Pre-Columbian cultures, especially Mayan art. I’ve always loved the Zen minimalism of Japanese design. And spaceships. I listen to a lot of ambient music to get into the zone while I’m at my table, working. Lately I’ve been listening to a harpist, Mary Lattimore.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Sebastian: I’ve always made one-of-a-kind handbuilt sculptures, initially I worked with bronze and then I discovered ceramic here in the United States. Figuring out the reproduction of a specific ceramic shape was difficult, and keeping up production in general is still a challenge. Thankfully I’ve learned slip-casting, but I’m still refining the glazing process. I’ve learned that the art of ceramic is a vast universe full of possibilities, where there is always still so much to discover. We put love and dedication into our pipes so that each one is a true mini-sculptural art piece.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We live in Echo Park. When friends or family visit, I take them to Carol Street in historic Angelino heights to see the beautiful Victorian craftsman houses, then to top of Elysian park where you can see that great view of Dodger stadium, downtown, the Griffifth Observatory, and on clear days, you can even see the San Pedro harbor, it is a great place to see the city. Then at night i would take them to Taco Zone on Alvarado for my favorite Mexican food truck. I would also go to the Huntington Gardens, the Observatory, and then a trip to the ocean, to La Piedra Beach, in Malibu.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Sebastian: My mom, Maria Ester Elton, for her encouragement of my art and her visual sense. I credit Hundertwasser, the Austrian artist, with teaching me about color and organic shapes. And Braun for their minimalist product design aesthetic. My uncle represented the brand in Chile while I was growing up, and their cool pyramid-shaped radio/TV made a big impression in my youth.

Website: www.miwakjunior.com
Instagram: @miwakjunior

Image Credits
Marielle V. Chua