SUBJECT: CALVIN LIEN - WALDEN
Calvin is taking his creative passion and keen Industrial Design sense to new levels. He’s worked with both small design houses and major entities like Google alike. Dabbling in the design of Kitchenware and expanding to highly futuristic tech hardware. However, none of those felt like the right fit. Currently, in Brooklyn NY, having left designing for big tech to pioneer new products in the health and wellness space through Walden. With, a particular focus on mindfulness assisting objects.
We’ve long been a fan of Calvin’s detailed execution acumen and striking visual sensibility. Calvin is distinct at making brutalist & minimalist objects that manage to still have a warm and emotive resonance.
In his early days, he dabbled in various mediums and hobbies and was always artistically inclined. Originally he wanted to pursue graphic design professionally, but when a mentor introduced the provocation…” why would you want to design in two dimensions when you can design in three”……the curiosity stuck with him. And, it’s no mystery why there’s an ever-present graphic edge to his approach. We’re no doubt very excited to see what Calvin & team will dream up at Walden.
THE OBJECT: Grandfather's wood carving
CALVIN
I can nerd out on a bunch of designer objects if prompted, Achille Castiglioni and Grcic are personal favs, but this has to be the most meaningful object I have. He made a lot of them and this is one I’ve always kept close.
My grandfather was a dentist by profession and a woodcarver as a hobby. As a child, I spent most summers with my Grandparents in Seattle. And, I would spend hours in the garage transfixed and fascinated watching my Grandfather work. He could make the most intricate carvings from basswood, with just his hands a few knives, and other simple assistive tools like a Dremel or bandsaw.
He sat at his desk that had a dust duct, for hours on end shipping and carving. It would take something raw.
Put through a slow and rough yet meticulous process. And resulted in these amazing creations. They look nearly real from across the room. I can attribute these experiences to my being keen on working with my hands even still today.
Put through a slow and rough yet meticulous process. And resulted in these amazing creations. They look nearly real from across the room. I can attribute these experiences to my being keen on working with my hands even still today.
HANDS ON
Calvin is keen on being hands-on. It’s integral to his creative process. And, not just when creating, but also when drawing inspiration. He likes to be out in life, living, and off the internet. Less time spent social searching and more time spent soul searching. He’s very intentional about keeping a pulse on culture.
I like to experiment and pull from everywhere and make something unexpected. Sampling, from every part of culture and not just Art & Design. Hip-hop, electronic vibes, memories of travels across Europe and Japan have all manifested in my work. At the end of the day, I just want to make inspiring things.
BE YOURSELF
Tell us about a time it was hard to be yourself, or when being yourself led to a breakthrough?
CALVIN
Being yourself is about being honest with yourself and everyone else. I had, what some would call a designer’s dream job. And, I have several great experiences with amazing friends at all the places I've worked in my heart.
Something was still missing. I knew It wasn't right for me . The reason I was there was more about security. I've always been rebellious at heart and enjoy going against the grain. All of these feelings came to a head and an opportunity called, so I decided to take a leap. And it’s a passion pursuit for sure. It feels like it was a breakthrough creatively. It’s been complete with all of the WORK, blood sweat at tears that goes with making a jump. If I’m being honest, I’m not really interested in BIG tech anyway. I prefer simple and more mindful living. I would not describe myself as a gadgety person. We don't even have a TV in our apartment. Creatively, it was also a challenge being restricted to a singular role and in one lane
These days, my work aligns with my passions and my purpose, I’m able to create with my closest friends and that’s so meaningful. My business partner left his comfort zone and quit his job in his family's business one month before I hopped out of my safety net, and him doing that was definitely a catalyst.
WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT CALVIN, THAT YOU’D WANT EVERYONE TO HEAR?
CALVIN
Answering this question honestly, what I have out there already is all I really want to have out there. Today, everything is so broadcasted and invasive. Privacy is such a sacred thing. I really enjoy anonymity, and this sacredness is something I want to hold onto. I’m a big advocate for creating space for oneself. And, this is one of the primary motivations behind Walden. I think everyone should take the space and time they need for themselves and use it to be present and seek stillness.
