Robert Aguirre - arcsodium designs
HANDMADE UP-CYCLED LAMPS
Tell us who you are and a bit about yourself.
Hi! I’m Robert. I am a proud husband and father. A Texas born, UT grad, I’m really a Pacific Northwesterner at heart. I’m an engineer by trade and a very analytical person, but my lamp making has helped me search for my creative side.
We know you create awesome up-cycled lamps, but what else do you like to do?
My wife and I love going to the movies. Movies have always been a huge part of our lives. Asian horror films have always been my favorites, especially Japanese and Korean films. Guillermo del Toro is my favorite director.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I love to wander around antique and junk shops searching for something that could make a fun lamp. My favorite shop is D&J’s Good Ole Days in Brady, TX. I also love to explore the work of other makers to see how I can improve my own work. I’m still learning to be a maker, and I can use all the help and ideas I can get!
Stranded on a desert island - If you could only have one book, movie, and album what would they be?
Book – Sirens of Titan by Vonnegut. Movie – O Brother, Where Art Thou. Album – This is a HARD pick. I love all kinds of music, but I do have to say if I had ONE album, it would have to be Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors.
If you could spend the day with one artist or craftsman (dead or alive) who would it be?
Kurt Vonnegut. His works have had an enormous impact on my adult life. I love his quote – “Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.”
If we peeked inside your studio, what would be the first thing we’d notice?
Shelves of project materials! I’ve always got so many ideas, which leads to a big backlog of projects!!!!
Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
I’ve met so many incredible people since I joined the Austin maker community. It’s been a great experience, and I look forward to getting back out to weekend markets when the time is right.
What are your favorite materials and/or tools?
Old cameras and rusty metal!
Pop, rock or PopRocks?
ROCK AND ROLL!
What’s your favorite restaurant you’ve eaten at in the last year? What’s your all-time favorite restaurant or meal?
My favorite local restaurant is Dhalia Café in Liberty Hill, TX. My favorite all-time restaurant is Geraldine’s Café in Seattle, WA
What’s your favorite city and why?
We moved to Seattle shortly after college. In our decade living there we got married, had our son and made lifelong friends. Even a few years after moving away, when I think of Seattle, it’s like thinking of home.
