The Revue: Alex Tieghi-Walker

1.) The secret to living a good life is…

I just try to make every minute count. When I was living in California I used to try catch sunset everyday as a nice little ritual to close the day out. Here in NYC, I'll take my dog for a walk along the river just to prepare myself for the day. Generally, I try to fill my minutes with as many things that will delight or stimulate me so that I feel I'm making the most of life.

2.) The story behind this painting…

This is a work by Studio Lenca. I collect art that depicts faces; I've always found it easier to connect to works that show humanity.

3.) I’m a regular at…

Dimes Deli for breakfast, Fanelli's for pints, Cafe Sabarsky for dessert. 

4.) What’s in my apartment…

I swear not a single item even enters the building unless it means something special. I'm particularly attached to my books. I have some Piet Hein Eek chairs that I've had since my early twenties that always sit in my favourite corner of wherever I'm living.

5.) If I could have a long lunch anywhere it would be… 

I'd work my way through a few Guinnesses and a chicken pot pie at the Ear Inn. It's scrappy and I love it.

6.) Why I love New York… 

I feel like I've been out of the UK so long at this point that it's now just become somewhere I associate with relaxing, or holidays, rather than somewhere I had to navigate daily life and its complexities. I love that New York feels like a small village despite its scale; there's a real sense of community in Lower Manhattan 

7.) My personal style… 

It's funny cause I see photos of me as a child and I wear the exact same clothes! I've always steered towards workwear-type clothes that don't get destroyed with heavy use. I'm usually doing something very messy—right now I'm hanging new spotlights in my library. Think corduroy trousers, thick cotton shirts, overalls, Barbour jackets, Saint James hats.. clothes usually associated with workers that are also practical for me as someone who is constantly moving things, building things, painting, cycling in the rain etc.

8.) The artist that I admire the most… 

I'm mesmerised by large-scale sculptures composed of tiny parts… think Ruth Asawa and Richard Serra. I love the use of metal in art even though I don't really have the space to own anything like that myself. 

9.) I collect…

I collect small ceramic vessels like mezcal cups or eggcups. Just nice little tiny mementos that fit in my suitcase when I travel without the real worry of something larger breaking. I also collect textiles, for the same reason in terms of breakability, but also because I find the history of textile design and art so important to the culture of a place I visit

10.) My favourite piece of classic design is…

I love designers or architects who really built with sturdiness and longevity in mind, the chunky marble buildings of Portaluppi, the timeless curves of Niemeyer buildings, the careful timelessness of Elsa Peretti's ashtrays.