Personal space: Sam Caradus
Sam Caradus.
A life drawing by Caradus.
Gandalf Archer Mills.
Rick Owens.
Latinaotearoa’s album Influencis et Collabis.
The Phantom by Paul Hartigan.
A Zambesi shirt.
Caradus’ two Bengal cats.
This Balclutha-born creative working for Crosson Architects shares some of the people, ideas and objects that inspire him.
Interior: Outside of your design work, what gets your creative juices flowing?
Sam Caradus (SC): Life drawing at Browne School of Art: the human form is so beautifully complex. Attending the Royal New Zealand Ballet: the muscularity, athletic skill and artistry is inspiring. Dancing with Gandalf Archer Mills: passionate, unrelenting energy.
Interior: What fashion are you coveting?
SC: Zambesi – I adore the work that Liz and Dayne produce. Also, Rick Owens – the silhouette is questioned, reinterpreted and recreated. It’s sublime.
Interior: What has you excited at the moment?
SC: My partner, artist Maggie Hubert, is back at university studying architecture. She’s so courageous and her work is inspiring. Also, my good friend Jojo Ross is showing at Fashion Week.
Interior: Where and what are you eating?
SC: Good Day café for coffee, along with Jacqui and Dan’s special energy, Barulho for mushrooms, Ostro for lobster and snapper pie, Amano for pappardelle and Federal Delicatessen for New York cheesecake.
Interior: What is keeping you busy these days?
SC: At work: immersive drawing, model-making, exploration of beautiful sites and briefs for amazing clients. Outside of work: I love going to the theatre. Watching Alice Snedden, Chris Parker and Tom Sainsbury entertain at the Basement is always a fantastic way to finish off the week.
Interior: Which artists do you follow?
SC: Paul Hartigan is a truly special human with a body of work that speaks to his unique energy. Cruz Jimenez is such a passionate spirit, and Liam Gerrard’s intensity is reflected in his deep, moody charcoal drawings. Lisa Reihana’s work is powerful. Claudia Kogachi is an absolute favourite.
Interior: What’s on your playlist right now?
SC: Nathan Haines and Latinaotearoa. I watched them together at Whammy Bar. Outrageous!
Interior: What are your biggest weaknesses?
SC: Beautiful black shirts and our two Bengal kittens, Frida and Lebbeus. They’re both a little aloof, totally crazy and wildly athletic, plus their spots are completely hypnotic.
This article first appeared in Interior magazine.
