Jon Gasca designs high-end contemporary furniture pieces at STUA, a Spanish furniture design and manufacturing firm renowned for its modern yet timeless collections. His thoughtful and innovative sofas, armchairs, and tables enhance ambiences in residential and commercial spaces, while sustainable approaches to design minimize their environmental impact.
The celebrated furniture designer and art director studied industrial engineering at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, and he applies lessons learned from his studies to build durable yet inspired pieces.
Gasca often flexes his creativity beyond the furniture design studio, as evidenced by his passion for painting watercolors. Read our brief interview with Gasca to learn more about his unique approach to art and design, along with one of his most successful residential projects to date.
You and Your Work
What inspired you to pursue a career in art?
My training is in engineering. I was lacking creative freedom, which prompted me to pursue a career in art and design. A blank page with no limitations is quite a nice feeling.
If you could articulate your philosophy about watercolor in one sentence, what would you say?
It is purely hedonistic. I search for joy in the act of painting, and enjoy contemplating my work afterwards.
If you could articulate your philosophy about light in one sentence, what would you say?
The darker, the better.
Your Craft
How would you describe your artistic style?
I gravitate to colors that are natural.
Tell us about the design project you’re most proud of.
I think my Costura sofa for STUA is the design project I am more proud of. It is a sofa, which is somewhere we all want to spend time. And, it is completely original.
How does lighting play a role in your job as a designer and art director?
We design furniture at STUA, so we know that lighting can have the biggest impact on any project. The wrong light can spoil the best interior design.
Can you tell us about one of your favorite projects?
STUA has the opportunity to furnish the Stahl House in Los Angeles, one of the most iconic homes in the world. Here, the sun and twilight did most of the magic.
Who or what do you look to for inspiration?
Nature is the best source for ideas.
Advice for Artists
What advice would you give to artists starting out in the field?
Be free and be bold.
What’s the most valuable lighting tip you can share?
Dim, dim, dim.
Where do you think the art and design industry is headed? How do you feel about the direction it’s taking?
I want to think that a world where quality and meaning are important will prevail.
Connect with Jon Gasca and STUA
Website: www.stua.com
Email: stua@stua.com
Phone: +3-494-355-6002
Instagram: @stuadesign