Hi again, it’s Elena Frampton writing from the Frampton Co studio . In addition to interior design and art advisory services, our gallery spaces are a huge piece of the pie for our creative practice. They offer an opportunity for full creative expression, as well as a platform to engage with our community through initiatives like Salon Series , our in-house conversation program. This week, I’m excited to share my conversation with fabulous, formidable artist and businesswoman Bari Ziperstein, of Bzippy & Co . Not only did we get to see the very first piece of artwork she made, we had a candid chat about the different hats we each wear, the risk-taking that excites us, and how operating outside the usual rules is at the core of our mutual respect. Dialing in from her massive East L.A. workshop, Ziperstein lets us in on a secret: twice a week, she stays working solo until midnight. “I can just be in here, do prototypes,” she says. “It’s so fulfilling. And I have to remind myself, I’ve got the chops! I’m making sure I’m keeping up with my skills, continuing reading and seeing things – it’s all very important.”

Bari Ziperstein exhibition at Charles Moffett Gallery

Bari Ziperstein Stages for Flowers artwork Similar to how continued education is an incredibly important part of makers’ creative process, it also factors largely into our client process. We introduce clients to artists’ talents, and along the way share the context, technique, and meaning behind the work. Bzippy is no exception; it’s an impressive example of innovation with an unpredictable medium: clay.

Bari Ziperstein in the studio \\\ Photo by Scottie Cameron “I want to stretch the material to its utmost capacity,” Ziperstein shares. “And also stretch the viewer’s view of what a side table is. Within tradition! But still – what all can you do with slabs? I come as a renegade in that, and surround myself with amazing employees.”

Bzippy ceramics

Bzippy ceramics From colleagues to collaborators, all corners are part of what inspires true creative community. We love that our work constantly takes us behind the scenes, and we’re able to open those doors to others. When we introduce our clients to new design or art work, most of them want to know, “Can we meet this person?” or, “What’s their studio like?!” We have the privilege of guiding them there.

Bzippy in a Frampton Co project

Bzippy at Frampton Co’s Exhibition The Barn gallery Ziperstein closes out our Short & Sweet conversation with a question I’d be remiss not to share. “What’s your one takeaway in terms of key professional aspects from studios,” she asks, “so you can do your job better?” I love this question because my job is, in part, to sell other creative collaborators’ work to my clients. To do that, I ask for clients’ patience in pursuit of an adventurous idea. With any experimentation there are bumps in the road, so it’s wonderful when collaborators are really clear, and we have honest communication about snafus and progress alike. We are in this together — we’re breaking the mold together!

Bzippy pink side table in a Frampton Co project Tune in above for a deeper dive into the world of Bari Ziperstein, plus hear why she’s currently researching Cold War propaganda, what’s freshest out of the kiln, and more.

Bzippy at Frampton Co’s Exhibition The Barn gallery

Bzippy in a Frampton Co project

Salon Series IRL at Frampton Co’s Exhibition Penthouse gallery Episodes are edited by Evey Joan , with select images courtesy Bari Ziperstein and Bzippy & Co .