Meet Arielle Assouline-Lichten | Artist & Furniture Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arielle Assouline-Lichten and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arielle, why did you pursue a creative career?
As long as I can remember, I have been someone who creates. I would sit for hours in my room making projects, turning ideas into new realities. I was captivated by the process of cutting, rearranging, and configuring elements. As I was forming my career, I gravitated towards the design arts as a way to earn a living by creating. I think I could have done many different professions and often wonder how else I can use my creativity. I think creativity is something that you can bring to any job. It is an approach to life that questions the status quo and finds solutions in unexpected ways. It is about trying things that have not yet been done.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started creating furniture as a way to get closer to my creative identity. I had been doing design services in architecture and design for a few years and was feeling stuck with client work that never felt like it was my own. I thought that at furniture scale, I could really say something that was my own. I found immense satisfaction in making my initial pieces – of seeing something I imagined come to life and have an existence in tangible form. For me, furniture design is a conversation between elements in space. I want the pieces to evoke something in people, there is a sense of wonder that is established when you put materials together in unexpected ways.

I don’t think any creative field is easy – the world pushes against you and you need a lot of resolve to push back over and over again. I’ve learned every lesson the hard way, and continue to do so – being an entrepreneur is about learning everyday. I try to approach things with a growth mindset, while its not always easy to accept setbacks, ultimately they lead to growth if you accept it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I love going out and about in the city! I follow a lot of food blogs and always want to try the latest bars and restaurant openings. I would definitely have a Greenpoint night – the neighborhood is very lively these days. I would start the night at a super cute Mexico City inspired bar with bites called Panzon after watching the sunset in Transmitter park. Then we could get a cocktail at Bar Americano. Brunch at Nura is delicious, as is their dinner.

I love the Neue Galerie, and the Noguchi Museum because they are both the perfect size to really experience a specific moment in art history that is distinct and beautifully told. Gallery hopping on Saturdays is a great way to walk around and see some inspiring shows in Chelsea.

I would go to The Nines one evening for the best martini and seductive vibes. I am also a fan of Casino on the lower east side for a stylish dinner setting.

I love vintage shopping and would hit my list of favorite spots that span from Brooklyn to the lower east side.

Mel the Bakery has amazing pastries that we would need to hit up, after doing hot yoga at Modo Yoga.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Above all, The Artist’s Way has been an incredible book and resource in my creative journey. In times where there is struggle, I’ve developed a practice of writing morning pages to help get past the creative block. Julia Cameron lays out bountiful ways any creative can get back to the way we started: that sense of wonder and play that exists uninhibited before expectations and success become a consideration.

Website: arielleassoulinelichten.com

Instagram: @slashobjects @arielleassoulinelichten

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielleal/

Image Credits
Images by Cody Guilefoyle