Last Night: Tina FreyWhat did the San Francisco–based designer do with her evening?
Last Night: Tina FreyWhat did the San Francisco–based designer do with her evening?
( 1 ) Frey’s designs resemble ceramics but are actually made of resin—which makes them hard-wearing and suitable for picnics and poolside gatherings. Frey says she knew from the very beginning of her practice that she wanted to specialize in an unusual material.
Tina Frey has been making functional sculptural objects for 15 years. After stepping away from a career in finance, she started by making a line of hand-sculptured resin bowls and has expanded the collection from there.1 Here, she talks about finding a slower pace of life post-pandemic.
Bella Gladman: What did you do last night?
Tina Frey: I was on a plane returning from the Hamptons, having checked out our forthcoming pop-up site, and finally seeing my pieces in situ at a hotel project called Shou Sugi Ban House, whose mindfulness philosophy resonates with me. Once we got back from the airport, we picked up our dog from the dog-sitters, unpacked, settled and fell dead asleep. Up until COVID-19, I traveled internationally at least once a month. I’ve since realized I really enjoy staying in!
BG: Less travel means more time with your dog.
TF: She’s still a puppy—a bit of a brat at times, but adorable. She senses when it’s time for us to stop working and gets us to take her for a walk. Recently, we’ve been in Santa Barbara for our pop-up. The weather’s warm and there are beautiful hikes in the hills or by the ocean.
BG: Does that walk mark the end of the day?
TF: I delve back into work sometimes. There’s something about the beauty of the evening, when it’s quiet and dark outside, you’ve had dinner and it’s peaceful. Your mind’s cleared again, so inspiration comes!
BG: What’s for dinner?
TF: My husband and I love cooking for small dinner parties at home. The best part of being a designer is sharing fulfilling conversations with like-minded people. We’re lucky because in California the growing season is all year round. Even in winter, you can find beautiful vegetables at the farmers markets. We’re mainly vegetarian nowadays.
BG: Do you subscribe to other aspects of West Coast wellness culture?
TF: I’ve been into meditation for the last five years after reaching burnout; and through it, I’ve tuned in to how what you eat and drink affect you. We’re about to go on a silent meditation. For that, I want to be completely clear of wine (I already cut out caffeine) beforehand. I’m not indulging until after! If you told me 10 years ago that I’d be into this, I’d have laughed—it’s so stereotypically California hippie! But now I think I understand what it’s about.
( 1 ) Frey’s designs resemble ceramics but are actually made of resin—which makes them hard-wearing and suitable for picnics and poolside gatherings. Frey says she knew from the very beginning of her practice that she wanted to specialize in an unusual material.
