The design references Oscar Piccolo has saved on his Instagram

Oscar Piccolo is a Sicilian art director, designer and maker whose lighting designs are the perfect showcase for his distinct style, which combines sculptural and architectural features with function and, importantly, fun. He spent his childhood living between Ghana, Turkey, Egypt, and Libya, and as a result developed a deep appreciation for natural materials and what they can become. At home, he is surrounded by curious objects from which he gleans inspiration, for example the pleated hat which lead him to create the ‘Lampada Cappello’, a playful, wiggly lamp which catapulted him into the design hall of fame.

Continuing our series, Oscar has allowed us a glimpse into his world – offering us the ten instagram posts he has saved most recently. Whether for the inspiring shapes or the naïve use of materials, these are the vignettes to which Oscar plans to return to, examine and ultimately, carry with him in his work.

The door in this image, designed by Steven Holl Architects for a bedroom and dating back to 1989, particularly caught my attention. It stands out due to its unconventional, almost sculptural form, which breaks away from traditional rectangular designs. It serves not only as a functional entrance but also as an artistic room divider or screen, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the space. What I find particularly interesting is that the frame of what you see in the room changes depending on the arrangement of the door, creating a constantly evolving experience of the space.

I saved this chair because of its playful character, which looks like something that could belong in the Flintstones. The rough, rustic wood and whimsical design feel very nostalgic to me, reminiscent of my childhood. The chair's unconventional form, with its irregular slats and sturdy, almost primitive construction, evokes a playful sense of creativity. This design language emphasises raw, unrefined elements and has an almost cartoonish aesthetic. It is very much a recurring reference point for me. It captures a blend of humour and craftsmanship that I find deeply inspiring and continually seek to incorporate into my own work.

This image depicts a playground built by sculptors Michèle Goalard and Albert Marchais, as part of the Grand Motte project, a new town built from scratch by the Mediterranean Sea. Through the use of bricks, water, and sand, they created a space for children to play in that blends landscapes and sculptures together. The structures in this playground reflect the imaginative eyes of the children playing. The idea of designing a playground and playing with both materials and landscapes to create a public space is something I'm really curious about. I am intrigued by how sculptural design can transform everyday play areas into imaginative spaces.

Jonathan Miller and his use of raw, industrial materials to create an abstract arrangement of geometric forms is something I find really interesting. There is something quite authentic and direct in the way Miller created this sculptural collage out of abandoned scrap pieces. The sculpture also reminded me of Henri Laurens' cubist constructions and fruit bowls as well as the larger-scale works of Anthony Caro. I find making things using found or everyday raw materials really inspiring and try to look at things I find, for example a brick, as something more than just a brick.

Carolyn Crawford’s Sponge chair is an everyday, improvised DIY design that exudes a sense of playfulness and fun, blending the concepts of furniture and sculpture together. Its rough, textured surface and unconventional form challenge traditional notions of furniture design. The Sponge Chair is part of a series of "make your own" pieces featured in the book Furniture in 24 Hours by Spiros Zakas. This books encourages a hands-on engagement to furniture, with “recipes” to construct your own pieces. That very same hands-on playful engagement is something embedded in my making and the approach to constructing as the book suggests, is relatable.

The Timber Mural Relief by Victor Pasmore, 1962, masterfully integrates geometric forms into architectural settings. The composition of shapes, lines, and planes in this installation creates a dynamic interaction with the surrounding space, blurring the boundaries between art and architecture. The deliberate arrangement and scale of the elements invites us to experience the artwork from multiple perspectives, emphasising the spatial and visual harmony that Pasmore was known for in his abstract explorations. I find these very explorations incredibly inspiring, looking at spaces more through a sculptural lens than an architectural one.

Sculptural playfulness is something that really follows me everywhere, even in food. The second image on this carousel is part of the The Parsons Bread Book, which celebrates the baking culture of New York City through various bread recipes and stories about local bakeries, highlighting the city's diverse and vibrant culinary traditions. There is something quite fun about the imagery in the book; bread shaped sun, hands, animals - I am really drawn to the sculpture-like quality of the bread.

I saved this image because I find the contrast between the very simple, almost empty room and the chaotic, busy tabletop fascinating. Whilst the sparse furniture and uncluttered walls starkly contrast the table filled with books, papers, and various objects, there is a harmonious balance achieved in the composition; creating a sense of serene order amidst the apparent disorder.

Riccardo Dalisi, an Italian designer and artist, was a great source of inspiration when I worked on a restaurant in London called Dalla with Spazio Leone. I find Dalisi’s playful elegance and deep connection to craft incredible, not to mention his unique approach to design, which combines functionality with artistic expression. His work transcends traditional boundaries, transforming everyday items into sculptures that merge practicality with poetic artistry.

I find sculptural food objects very interesting and my home is filled with them: whether it’s a wooden baguette, braids of paper onions and garlic, or a plaster cheese, I am surrounded by them. Some of my friends even joke that I have more fake food than real food at home. I saved this image because it deeply resonated with my unusual interest in sculptural food. It has inspired me to keep an eye out for a provolone prop.

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