Desktop Icon John Lithgow, David Korins, Malene Barnett
Desktop Icon John Lithgow, Brita Filter, David Korins, Malene Barnett are interviewed by Barry Goralnick. Goralnick interviewed a variety of creative friends about how they work – from what time of day they’re most productive to what are their biggest distractions and inspirations. Maura Sullivan, a photographer who shoots on film using only natural light, captured these moments in black & white.
DESKTOP ICONS
Becoming an icon doesn’t happen overnight. It takes perseverance and drive. And knowing how you work best. how you work best.
Icons and icons-in-the-making shed light on their personal approach to work and how they’re making their mark.
Photography: Maura Sullivan
JOHN LITHGOW, actor/writer
PLAY TO WIN
How do you know when you’ve hit on something good?
Can’t sleep at night.
Most productive time to work?
If it involves writing anything, it’s got to happen before about 2:00 in the afternoon. But if it’s acting, nighttime. Acting requires a lot less thought.
Music on or off?
If I’m writing, I can’t even hear the traffic outside of the building. It’s got to be penumbral silence.
Biggest distraction?
My wife. Mostly for the good.
Current inspiration?
Oh, boy. Politics has got my mind on fire.
What is your work uniform?
Schlubby jeans, sneakers.
What do we have to look forward from you next?
This book: Dumpty, The Trump Era in Verse. And the play [Hillary and Clinton]. And four movies being released in one year, which is, for me, a record.
Barry Goralnick caught up with desktop icon John Lithgow at the Golden Theater. They chatted in Lithgow’s dressing room between rehearsals for his new play.
BRITA FILTER, Season 12 RuPaul’s Drag Race, Performaer
WERK IT
What do you work hardest at?
I work hardest at perfection.
Most productive time to work?
Night.
The one thing you have to have on your desk?
Makeup brushes.
Lights bright or dim?
Always bright.
Snacks savory or sweet?
Suh-weet.
Favorite drink
Vodka Soda.
Music on or off?
You know, I usually listen to jazz when I paint my face.
What is your work uniform?
A lot of padding.
Current inspiration?
RuPaul.
What do we have to look forward from you next?
Something on TV maybe – possibly very soon.
DAVID KORINS, Set Designer (Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, 2019 Academy Awards)
SET GOALS
What do you think propelled your career?
It’s all about communication skills. I had to be able to talk – get my collaborator to understand what it was going to look like through words. And I think that is the number one thing – communicate and gather all the people together so we all feel like we’re making it together.
Most productive time to work?
Early morning.
One thing you have to have on your desk?
Sunlight.
Lights bright or dim?
Lights: dim; Sunlight: bright.
Computer or pen and paper?
Pen and paper.
How do you keep challenging yourself?
Remember that it’s all going away very soon [laugh].
Do people trust you more because of your track record?
I feel like you’re only as good as your recent show or whatever. I feel like the stakes keep getting raised, so the trust level is maybe as precarious.
What do we have to look forward from you next?
Beetlejuice (on Broadway), The Hamilton Exhibition (Chicago).
MALENE BARNETT, artist, designer, founder of Black Artists Design Guild
SHAPE A VISION
What do you do to shape your future?
I’m constantly thinking about it, because I’m thinking about legacy. What do I want to leave? And I’m thinking about the Black community – and designers specifically. I just started The Black Artists and Designers Guild to really help create more visibility and opportunities for the designers. So, I’m thinking about how do we cultivate the next generation.
SCOTT BROMLEY, Architect (Studio 54)
MAKE A PLAN
How did you build your career?
Long, hard years.
Most productive time to work?
Early morning.
Lights bright or dim?
Depends on what I’m doing.
Snacks savory or sweet?
No snacks. No sugar.
What is your work uniform?
You’re looking at it: jeans, t-shirt, waffle shirt.
Current inspiration?
Mother Nature.
Biggest distraction?
Jerry [Caldari].
Favorite drink?
A margarita.
What do we have to look forward from you next?
Oooh, we have several. One is this house in Water Island. The other is a huge project at 101 West End Avenue – we’re redoing 500 apartments and a lobby.
NICK SILVERIO, dancer
STRETCH YOURSELF
What do you do to get out of your comfort zone?
Picture myself in five years.
Most productive time to work?
Late afternoon.
One thing you have to have on your desk?
Phone charger.
Lights bright or dim?
Bright.
Snacks savory or sweet?
Savory! Cheese.
Music on or off?
On. Broadway.
Biggest distraction?
Instagram.
What is your work uniform?
Athleisure.
What do we have to look forward from you next?
It better be Broadway.
JEAN ROHE, singer songwriter
FIND YOUR VOICE
What voice do you pay attention to?
The voice that’s underneath all the ‘shoulds’ – that’s the one I want to pay attention to.
Most productive time to work?
Morning for sure.
Lights bright or dim?
Bright.
Favorite drink?
Definitely a Negroni. Oh, for work? I love my coffee in the morning with just a little milk.
Computer or pen and paper?
Pen and paper. I love just a good pen. A proper roller ball ink pen.
Biggest distraction?
Lunch. The promise of lunch.
Current inspiration?
Impermanence.
What’s next from you?
I’m going to have a new EP done this year – that’s the game plan.
BARRY GORALNICK, architect, interior designer, product designer
DESIGN WITH PURPOSE
What gives you purpose?
For me, it’s important to learn something new every day. And doing something every day that helps me express myself – sketching, writing, designing – it all feeds the soul for me.
Most productive time to work?
Early morning.
Lights bright or dim?
Every light should have a dimmer.
Snacks savory or sweet?
Unfortunately, I have a sweet tooth.
Music on or off?
I have always worked with the TV on, but YouTube has opened up a new world. Currently, I like to watch old TV variety specials with my favorite divas.
Biggest distraction?
Social media.
Computer or pen and paper?
Pen and paper. Every design, whether it’s architectural or a new product, begins with a sketch.
Current inspiration?
I find new inspiration everywhere I look just walking around New York.
What do we have to look forward from you next?
More pieces with Currey & Company. Plus a new line of tableware and giftware for Villeroy & Boch. And plumbing fixtures. And rugs. Stay tuned.
Photos include Goralnick’s iconic desk lamp designs for Currey & Company: the Reeves Desk Lamp and the Davy Desk Lamp. They are part of a collections of lighting and furniture by Goralnick. The lighting line includes, desk lamps, task lighting, chandeliers, sconces, floor lamps, and pendant lighting. The furniture collection boasts cased goods and upholstery, including a credenza, cabinet, side chair, occasional chair, and club chair.
