Artist Spotlight Series: Antonio Muñoz

June 8, 2015

Artist Spotlight Series: Antonio Muñoz

Antonio M Studio, Antonio Muñoz, Art, Artist, Artist Spotlight Series, Connecticut, Fairfield County, graphic design, Parsons, Ridgefield, surface design

My Artist Spotlight Series continues with the graphic and whimsical work of

Antonio Muñoz

Fairfield County, Connecticut

What is your training?

I graduated from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT as a graphic designer in 1994, and in 1998 I spent a semester at Parsons School of Design — For over 18 years I have worked in publishing, brand identity, package design, product development, and surface design art for textile and paper.

What inspires you and your designs?

Fashion, abstract art, and interior design — I’m always searching fashion and design magazines for interesting color stories, motifs, patterns, bold designs — I find it fascinating when designers find their own voice amidst visual references from a multitude of sources, such as historical, cultural, abstract art, geometrics, etc — I love visuals that feel fresh, that awaken curiosity and desire.

What is your favorite piece?

Recently I worked on a commission for a CT client, custom silhouettes of her 3 children — I used an electric palette of various pinks, acqua, and a couple of neutrals — The design within each silhouette is a composition of fluid shapes that flirt and interact with each other in a seductive way — When the pieces were installed, I had a big AHA moment.

How has your area influenced your work?

Being in Fairfield county, Connecticut and so close to New York City has influenced me immensely. I love having quick access to design and art centers throughout the area. I can just wander for hours through the streets of NY, being hypnotized by the window displays at Barneys or Bergdorf Goodman, or sitting at a cafe in Soho looking at people come and go, there is something so captivating and inspirational about NYC that is magical. I just simply love finding “Beautiful Things”

What is your favorite restaurant in your area?

I live in Ridgefield, CT, my husband Rich and I love going to Luc’s, a French bistro, it has an intimate feel, is full of character, and the food is always great. When the weather is nice, you can sit outside in this lovely patio surrounded by planters crowded with red flowers. Since they allow small dogs out in the patio, I always try to bring Sophie, my adorable 8 year old Miniature Schnauzer.

When in New York City, I love finding great restaurants with charming décor, one of my recent discoveries is Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery, a lovely place with exquisite food, at 380 Lafayette Street, near Washington Square Park.

What is your favorite cocktail?

It depends, If I want to feel very New York, with its 60’s vintage flair, a la Mad Men, I’ll probably have a Manhattan. I also like Martinis, any kind…

How do you balance personal life and work?

During my daily routine I like to make time for journaling, exercise, and spending time with my husband Rich, my pet Sophie and friends.

Dream trip?

I would love to visit Scandinavia, the charming towns, the gorgeous topography, lakes, fjords, and fishing villages.

Dream commission?

I love to work with people that are fearless when it comes to color and design, people who love boldness. My dream commission would be having a large installation in a very contemporary space, residential or commercial, full of black, white, and neutrals, where my pieces are the color yummy factor.

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

I love to gift anything with a bold design or pattern on it, or a great bottle of wine.

Who is your style icon?

My style icons are three women called “The Trinity” during their heyday in the early 90’s. I think the term supermodel was initially coined for them. Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Christy Turlington.

They were walking for all my favorite fashion designers from back then such as Gianni Versace, Thierry Mugler, Gucci, and Jean Paul Gaultier. These women embodied a bold sense of style infused with alluring self-confidence. They were a sort of super heros (or heroines…) for me when I arrive in NYC in 1991.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

Love to follow emerging fashion photographers on Pinterest. I really enjoy the amazing imagination, style, and refined graphic quality of Solve Sundsbo

Noomi Rapace for Dazed and Confused (June 2012) by Solve Sundsbo

and Kristian Schuller

What is your most treasured possession?

I have a white box full of them, mementoes gathered since 1991, the year I decided the USA is where I needed to be. They include an extensive array of magazine clippings, matchboxes from restaurants, postcards, and many, many more things infused with great memories.

What are you reading?

I am not the greatest reader that lived, I tend to gravitate towards books with large captivating images about design, art and fashion, and with very little to read — Though I have always been attracted to History, I recently finished reading “New York, the novel” a historic novel by Edward Rutherfurd.