Bio

Victor Vetterlein’s specific interest in environmental design developed over time.  Early interests were centered around constructing things – from model kits, to motorcycles, to welded steel sculptures, and then to buildings. These experiences helped foster an awareness and appreciation for design development as a career choice.

Observations made along the path of life have been the inspiration for new design projects. The Trash Me lamp design was inspired by the abundance of IKEA products seen in curbside trash in New York City.  Victor deducted that if consumers prefer to purchase fashionable but poorly made items, why not design something that is intended to have a short user life and at the same time is easy to recycle.  The Trash Me lamp is sold in museum gift shops including MoMA and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, is included in numerous museum exhibitions and permanent collections, and adorns the interiors of many households worldwide.

As the world broadens through the computer and Internet, it is natural that there is an urge to be more micro and simple in lifestyle.  Desires for less material things and more personal experiences like travel are a by-product of a minimal, self centered, and in-the-moment way of living. This micro idea concept has been the catalyst for numerous art and architecture projects.

Creating products, designs, or concepts that are environmentally inspired or friendly has also been a central theme in projects.  For example, the Bite Me lamp is meant to be the ultimate recycling product.  In that, this utilitarian design is made from biodegradable plastic and can be consumed for personal nourishment after the lamp is no longer useful or desired.

Lastly, photography has played a key role in Victor’s creative projects.  His desire to capture an unusual, and quite often very private,  micro-moment in time and make it fascinating to the viewer is a common element in his work.

From sculpture, to product design, to architecture, and to photography, Victor’s body of work pushes boundaries, raises questions, and most often brings humor to the ever-changing reality of life.

Family: Soeun Vetterlein, Jett Vetterlein, and Sky Vetterlein