Meet Tiprin Mandalay Follett | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiprin Mandalay Follett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiprin, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Professionally, I value sharing what I admire in the world with others. My passions for tradition, culture, nature, history, art and craftsmanship are a joy to talk about and experience through the communities I work with. Work and professionalism are synonymous with education and a lifetime of learning. Through this process, my cup overflows with excitement and possibilities that I in turn want to give to others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The daughter of a French immigrant and a Hollywood native, I was born on a ranch in Pasadena, California. The rural/urban interface unique to the foothills of Los Angeles both inform and inspire my work. My interest in traditional handmade art stems from my obsession with medieval history and many summers spent with my family in our little village in France. A lifelong study of fiber arts, painting, woodworking and basket weaving are all incorporated in my current pieces. From functional to sublime, I strive to make my work “from scratch.” Whether I begin with a tree to make a detailed Christmas nutcracker or seeds to grow the vines that will become a basket, I enjoy the process of making as much as the product itself. From conceptual to practical, combining technique and experimentation, the goal is for each object to inspire the viewer to discover the magic of its source. I hope you won’t look at a fallen tree as nothing more than mulch after seeing what I can make of it.

Tiprin is a graduate of the USC School of Fine Arts. She studied woodturning at the renowned Dale Nish School of Woodturning in Provo, Utah. Her art has been seen in both solo and group exhibitions all over the world including Sprueth Magers in London and Berlin, the Portland Museum of Art in Maine, the Pratt Institute in New York, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Baltimore. It will be on exhibit through the American Association of Woodturning on their traveling tour in 2024 and limited pieces can be purchased exclusively at the Descanso Gardens. Her husband of 26 years is her biggest supporter followed by her four children, two horses and baby blue lathe which she affectionately refers to as “Valentino” .

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite thing about LA is how varied it is. Full disclosure: I don’t like driving or being in a car. That limits what I would actually be willing to do in the span of a week. Also, I am a lifelong Angelino and I have seen so many changes that some of my favorite places are not what they used to be. That said, here are some of the greatest. Tarantino’s- there is no where in the world I would rather eat.
Lawry’s- because watching a salad spin is fun.
Disneyland- if you go with me I will only do it MY way which I am convinced is the BEST way
Williams Ranch/My friend Pat’s house-because the horses are there and it’s a great place to go take a trail ride into the mountains
Pasadena Central Library- if they will open it again
Fox’s Restaurant- the pie is really good
My Mom’s House- good place for a long conversation and a long walk.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My professor in a 101 class in college once said, “Never discount anyone.” Those are words I live by.
There were hours dedicated to me by individuals and organizations who are very responsible for giving me the foundations to build. However, I often think about the strangers who taught me the painful lessons.
As relates to my passion for learning, I would like to make this shoutout to some of the mentors in my life.
Kirk DeHeer is not only my mentor but a teacher and true friend for many Woodturners all over the world. His tireless dedication to teaching the craft is one of the great assets to the trade’s future.
Emily Ford, a tour de force in the wood turning world, has been my champion, my friend, my teacher, my collaborator and so much more.
John Romano, my former boss and dear friend, has believed in me when no one else did- and he watched my children so that I could work.
Matthew Harrison, my friend and director for decades, showed me the world I dreamed about existed, and pointed me in the right direction.

Instagram: @contramodernart