Meet Christine Galvez | Metalight New York founder & Artist / Artisan

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Galvez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Creating light was my first source of artistic inspiration. In my opinion, a light fixture is an integral part of a decor and not simply a source of light. Following this principal, my lamps, when un-lit, must appear sculptural. Then, when lit, they should transform. Light penetrates the body, creating a magical shadow play that can fill the wall, the ceiling or the room. Progressively, I became more confident with my work and I have created a personal universe, capturing and preserving nature’s fleeting beauty with metal, creating a whimsical world filled with creatures and myths. I created my own bestiary as I was a naturalist.
My adoration for the iconic NYC water towers as soon as I arrived in US became an obsession. I decided to bring them home by miniaturing them. They became an ornamental object where you can hide your secrets inside then I decided to light them to flood the room with shadows.

Upcycling unclaimed or discarded automobile parts or all scrap metal is a challenge but quite easy when you love to play with them.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I consider myself as an Artist/ Artisan. I created the label METALIGHT NEW YORK as a vehicle to showcase my complete body of work and make it more accessible: Light fixtures, furniture, sculptures, ornamental objects. My wish is to preserve the artisan tradition, reconnecting artistic beauty and function through a simple and uncluttered design aesthetic. My creations combine art, design, and functionality. I can personalize and custom any lamp or furniture to suit any taste.

I get started with a spark while watching my father tinkering, welding and creating in his workshop in the south of France. The spark inspired me as a young girl to try my hand at metalwork. After a career in the financial industry in France, I moved to NY and joined the Art Students League of New York in 2012 to start a brand-new journey. I have been recognized several times there through awards, including one for the impressive sculpture ‘Under pressure’.

Then, I needed space and more freedom so I became a Makerspace community member in Brooklyn in August 2020, and I don’t regret it! I am enjoying every single day in the amazing space, full equipped shop which allow me to continue to improve my skills among welcoming and nice talented artists and makers.
My best recognition was to succeed in my first solo exhibition /pop up store in Tribeca (NY) where I got a lot of success. It opened up an incredible address book and therefore the opportunity since then to be able to work on customized projects where I can let my creativity operate.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
New York is a city that I love and I like to transmit this love to all my friends and family passing by. I usually start by taking them to a rooftop so they can realize they’re on an island, and that the ocean is right there. Then, walking in the different neighborhoods to zoom in on must-see sites is mandatory.

The Met Museum, MOMA and Whitney Museum are also on my list, as are some galleries in Chelsea after a walk on the High Line.

The visit of the workshop in which I create in Brooklyn is a part of the package. Indeed, I have the chance to work in a historic site of the Brooklyn Army Terminal, accessible thanks to a superb little ferry ride with a view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty..

All that, of course, without forgetting a good lobster roll or a steakhouse to keep their energy up.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this article to my father Jean Claude Galvez. I always watched his sparks in his garage as a child and I got the same passion for metal thanks to him. Very talented himself in forging and got a long career as a metalworker, he really deserves I get grateful.. He has been a good support in my decision to change my career and still is in all my projects. I would also like to thank the Makerspace NYC team and its members for welcoming me in 2020.
Being part of this community is not only a chance because the equipment and premises are great, but also a pleasure to work and create there every day..

Website: www.metalightnewyork.com

Instagram: @metalight_new_york

Facebook: @metalightnewyork