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A CONVERSATION WITH MYLES CRAWFORD, ARTIST AND OWNER OF M.STUDIOS.
"NO LIMITS"
Myles Crawford
Myles Crawford is a Raleigh, North Carolina native seeking to establish himself in a more vulnerable way. In 2022, he founded "M.Studios," an art and design studio based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Challenging his own narrative, he uses his designs to change the world of how furniture and art decor is to be displayed. His designs are minimal, with a textual approach, utilizing natural materials to give contrast and depth. With a rich artistic background, he uses his inspiration to produce functional creations to give "space to feel" and "room to think," with hopes of magnifying spaces through his work.
We had a chance to get into the world of Myles Crawford and visit his studio in Charlotte, North Carolina.
" I HAD TO CONFIRM IT WITH MYSELF FIRST."
From your first piece, how has that evolved from where you are now?
Mastering the basics + not losing that idea of being curious or wanting to be perfect. My first piece was terrible but from my first piece up to now, I have a sense of the type of theme, materials, that resonate with me but also knowing how to make things look good. I would describe it as modern, minimal, with a luxurious touch to it.
What is some of the work you have done behind the scenes to get to where you are now?
Honestly, my process behind the scenes really started with confirming “it” with myself. If i'm going to put something out there and be vulnerable with my work, I want it to have a subconscious or innate connection with myself. If I put my heart into it I want it to resonate with me. I had to confirm it with myself first.
Knowing it was an industry I wanted to get into – I had to do some extensive research. What is functional art? What is furniture? How do you make it? What makes it dope? The research in itself really captivated me – I want my environment to be like something I’ve never seen.
Starting off, I needed funding. I can't go out and spend 2,000 on a table, but, can I make something like that, that has the same intensity and vibe. So, that's what started it. A curiosity. A hunger to get back into art.
My peers saw/knew me for portrait paintings. I stopped doing that for a while because I wanted to pivot and do something different. All together, it started the "behind the scenes" process. I happen to be going to local stores, connecting to manufacturers, gathering products – trial and error.
I asked myself, "Can my art be functional?" But also, I want people to look at the piece(s) and say, “what is that?” I want my art to be a conversation starter.
"Mastering the Basics"
What does your creative process look like? How do you confirm your identity through your work? – creating your own lane that doesn’t look like anyone else.
We don't want to copy – but I will look at individuals who are successful and mimic. How do they actually make that? You have to go back and confirm with yourself and ask, “is this something I want to do?” Seeing the final product in your head and seeing what materials work, the structure, prototyping, sketching for numerous hours for a draft – making a miniature prototype, replicating the actual shape.
It may not be perfect the first couple of times, but then that's when I perfect it. It is multiple steps, its never a straight line.
How do I find my identity? I find what sticks. I found things that make me light up and I want to be able to share that.
What is the ethos behind your brand? How do you want people to feel?
I want my art to going into spaces and I want it to “magnify.” Thats where I got my motto/tagline. "Magnifying living spaces/environments." My ethos behind my brand is making sure it will be a vessel for any environment people want to amplify. “Functional Art.” Putting a piece in a space and letting it speak for itself.
It's like music – I really think thats the intersection. You listen to a song and it moves you, you feel inspired. Thats how I want my products to make people to feel. My environment is a reflection of who I am.
"Recognize you have an innate gift"
What do you think it means to be a Black Artist in the 21st century?
Black Art is different. Being a Black Artist is someone who has not gotten the recognition for their creative abilities. But to bring it into the 21st century, we are starting to get that recognition. Artists that are opening up many doors for us. Pharrell, Louis Vuitton. Virgil, Yé. Black artists are given permission to come into spaces. Even with me, with M. Studios, being a black male in this industry. Its uncommon. A Black man creating furniture and functional art, what is that?
Being a black artist in the 21st century, you are given permission to step outside boundaries. Permission to take that leap of faith and go into spaces/environments where you feel comfortable and hold weight in. Im a Black Artist but I also create furniture design, so what? We are breaking barriers.
What would you tell yourself 10 years ago when dealing with any self-doubt?
You are different and embrace that sh-t. It's okay to feel misunderstood. Its okay to feel like you're not in a crowd. It's okay to be in your skin and like what you like. Love who you are. Recognize you have an innate gift. From my mothers womb I told myself I would be an artist. Be authentic in who you are. Love who you are and keep going. There is success in consistency of your work. If you love doing something and you have an unique approach and its uncommon – thats your gift. It will all make sense.
What do you want to leave the audience with? Where do you see yourself in the future?
If things don't make sense right now, its okay. But one promise you should not break is to never give up on yourself. Figure out ways to make it pop. Figure out something – whatever it is, how does it make you feel first? Once you figure that out, just do it.
In the future I see myself doing exhibitions, I see myself djing, tapping into music, clothing, interior design.
I'll leave you with this quote from Ye “Do everything you possible can in this lifespan that we have.” Whatever it is, do what makes you feel good on this earth.
Follow Myles
Website: mstudiosnc.com
Instagram: @m.studiosnc & @millas__
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