Date of Interview: May 18, 2009
Location of Interview: Weitzner's Design Studio New York, New York
Length of Transcript: 12 pages
Audio Clip:
Biographical Summary
Lori Weitzner received a B.F.A. from Syracuse University in 1983. She is the principal and creative director of Lori Weitzner Design Inc. and Weitzner Limited. In the 1990’s, Weitzner was offered the chance to work as an independent textile designer for Jack Lenor Larsen Incorporated where she created many notable collections during her six years there. Her talents are interdisciplinary and she has designed products for many major companies including dinnerware, packaging, bedding, and healthcare products. Weitzner’s work is displayed in museums throughout the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the Muse des Arts Dcoratifs, Montreal. Most recently her work was featured in her first solo exhibition, a retrospective of her Jack Lenor Larsen Incorporated years, at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Weitzner has been recognized with over twenty industry awards, including the Good Design Award and the Innovations Award.
Interview Topics
Weitzner speaks about the opportunity to work with Jack Lenor Larsen; her working relationship with Jack Lenor Larsen; Jack Lenor Larsen as a mentor; the collaborative studio environment; the innovative textile design process at the Larsen Design Studio; Jack Lenor Larsen’s knowledge of mills; and the Rhythm and Line Collection, produced in collaboration with the National Dance Institute.
Vivaldi (1994) Rhythm and Line 98.022.643
Barrel House (1994) Rhythm and Line 98.022.666
Funding for these oral histories was provided by a Craft Research Fund Grant from the University of North Carolina, Asheville Center for Craft, Creativity & Design.
