Ep. 112: Heath Creative Director Catherine Bailey
Industrial designer Catherine Bailey grew up playing with the old school computer punch cards that were the technological accoutrements of nearby Bell Labs. A public school art teacher gave her the push she needed to find her way to industrial design. After stints designing sneakers and snowboard boots, she and her husband Robin embarked on a creative adventure together stewarding the beloved and iconic Heath Ceramics brand back to health and into modern times. Also, she’s a fan of a good road trip.
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What is your earliest memory?
I remember a large yard, it felt like a park, it felt huge and I remember running and running and then crashing into the front concrete stoop and then being picked up and there was some drama around that. I think I was almost 2. My family had just moved from Indiana to New Jersey and I believe this was our first visit or one of the first days at our new suburban 1960’s colonial style house, set on one acre of endless lawn.
How do you feel about democratic design?
I feel it’s complicated, and as there is more disparity in our culture it becomes more so. It’s not always the right thing to do to restrict materials, and craft to make a design more democratic.
What’s the best advice that you’ve ever gotten?
Think about what you want your days to be like, how do you want to spend your time, your days are your life. Working towards what title you want to have, what you think is the best career track, or how you want people to see you, is not so important.
How do you record your ideas?
.003 felt tip pen on a 6x6” black book with thick pages. Also watercolors in a journal.
What’s your current favorite tool or material to work with?
I’ve been studying/practicing traditional leatherwork for the past 2 years. It’s a long journey of labor, gaining muscle memory and craft before it’s about design, this feels satisfying right now. The tools are simple, stitching awls and clamps, a pricking iron, all high quality, timeless tools that don’t change.
What are the best books you’ve read recently?
The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humbolt’s New World - Andrea Wulf
Know my Name - Channel Miller
How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy - Jenny Odell
Why is authenticity in design important?
Authenticity is important in everything, or things feel and care soulless.
Favorite restaurant in your city?
Pizzetta 211
What might we find on your desk right now?
A lovely teapot made by Akio Nukaga and some fresh ginger tea, alongside the screens.
Who do you look up to and why?
My parents, they are kind and always find the good in everyone.
What’s your favorite project that you’ve done and why?
My favorite Heath project is the dinnerware we have done with my friend Natalie Chanin. It’s a real collaboration, I’ve learned a lot from her in the process, and the work and craft behind the work is authentic and beautiful.
Alabama Chanin collaboration
What are the last songs you listened to?
Rosanne Cash - She Remembers Everything
Wilson Picket - Hey Jude
Clever is produced by 2VDE Media. Thanks to Rich Stroffolino for editing this episode.
Music in this episode courtesy of El Ten Eleven—hear more on Bandcamp.
Shoutout to Jenny Rask for designing the Clever logo.
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