<About thoughts on social media>
I recently came to the realization that social media apps severely suffer from noise pollution with the rise of shorts and reels. I love TikTok, don’t get me wrong. I just miss the time when you go to Instagram just for photos or YouTube solely for videos.
<About the movies>
I can’t stop thinking about the new Ripley (2024) series directed by Steven Zaillian, with cinematography by Robert Elswit. As I’m already familiar with The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), this was such a fresh and intriguing take on the original story.
The stylistic choice to present the entire series in black and white, combined with the meticulous unfolding of decisions surrounding Tom Ripley’s character, creates such a captivating noir, slow-burn experience. Each frame is truly a piece of artwork. I read in an article where Elswit mentioned his use of “chiaroscuro” – a technique characterized by very strong shadows and highlights, which I want to attempt practicing in my own work.
When creating vlogs on YouTube, what do you focus on the most?
I care a lot about truthfully documenting what I was seeing and feeling at the exact moment of a footage. I don’t want to sugarcoat and, in turns, downplay an experience just because I want to fit a certain narrative.
I also pay attention to framing and composition. I can’t put myself through the entirety of a vlog if it’s not aesthetically pleasing. All of these things are definitely easier said than done, to be honest.
<About the architecture>
Some of my favorite modernist projects I’ve had the privilege of visiting are undoubtedly Casa Pedregal by Luis Barragán and Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier.
These two architects, though seemingly contrasting in philosophy, have created some of their most impactful works in two of my favorite cities Mexico City and Paris. I learned a lot from their use of color: Le Corbusier’s Bauhaus palette and Barragán’s bright, vibrant hues reminiscent of traditional Mexican architecture.
Not long ago, I was a victim of the sad beige interior design trend, but after visiting these houses, I became more liberal in incorporating colorful accents into my own space.
What style of furniture do you like?
I love mixing mid-century pieces with wabi-sabi and vintage objects. Recently, I’ve been focusing on incorporating more wood, along with stainless steel or aluminum accents, into my apartment. Everything also has to be warm-toned.
<An anecdote about the Eames chair>
One of my favorite stories about acquiring items for our apartment is how we found our Eames soft pad chair. While browsing Facebook Marketplace at work, I spotted a listing for a “leather chair” that I suspected was an authentic Eames chair based on the photos. Listed for just $30, I quickly had my partner contact the seller. With over 20 inquiries in just 15 minutes, we managed to negotiate the price to $200, which is still a great deal. We later discovered it was indeed an authentic Eames chair through an authenticity stamp, and I haven’t stopped bragging about this find ever since.
What are some future projects or goals you want to challenge yourself with?
I definitely want to create more fashion and design/architecture content on YouTube.
