Few figures have influenced modern American design like Jonathan Adler. As a potter, sculptor, interior designer, author, and vibrant aesthetician, his impact transcends the glamorous appearances of his hotels and the whimsical forms of his ceramics.

What draws people to Jonathan isn’t just his signature mix of humor and elegance, or his unexpected minimalist approach wrapped in joyful irreverence. Beneath the surface lies a profound commitment to craftsmanship ignited by an exhilarating encounter with a Brancusi sculpture.

This early moment of artistic inspiration sparked Jonathan's passion for pottery. While peers were immersed in rebellious music or questionable fashion, he found his calling in clay. His teenage years were dedicated not only to creating pots but also to studying them, appreciating the refined aesthetics of Lucy Rie, the cultural curiosity of Bernard Leach, and the essence of form. This foundational appreciation for beauty, discipline, and expertise has shaped his work, from his sleek homeware to fantastical projects like The Parker Palm Springs.

Today, Jonathan Adler stands as both a design icon and a cultural voice, eager to share insights on creativity as much as he is to craft whimsical pieces like a gold banana sculpture. In this revealing discussion, he reflects on the personal experiences, missteps, and passions that have influenced his creative journey and the guiding principles that continue to steer him.

Two pictures next to each other, one of Jonathan Adler standing up and the other of three of his white vases

Question: Can you recall the first environment that influenced your design perspective?

Jonathan Adler: There have been many! Reflecting on my childhood, I had two distinct sides. One was a rough-and-tumble kid who played American football, while the other was someone who nearly fainted at the first glimpse of beauty.

Question: What was the first stunning sight that overwhelmed you?

Jonathan Adler: I was captivated by a brass winged sculpture at a Brancusi exhibition in my youth, which nearly made me faint. This experience ignited my passion for pottery, leading me to seek out the exhibition book and try my hand at pottery during summer camp when I was around 12.

Question: Do those early summer camp creations influence your current style?

Jonathan Adler: Not visually, but definitely on a spiritual level. Although I can be skeptical, the first time I shaped a pot felt almost supernatural, igniting my obsession with clay. This experience shifted my worldview, leading me to not only create but also deeply observe and understand pottery and the messages from various potters. I absorbed insights from Bernard Leach’s Japanese inspirations to Lucy Rie’s English charm, taking in a blend of influences before settling on my own style.

Two pictures next to each other. On the left is Jonathan Adler's blue living room in Palm Beach and on the right Jonathan and his husband Simon Doonan wear sunglasses indoors

Question: Did you begin collecting pottery items early on?

Jonathan Adler: Here and there, I convinced my parents to buy pieces for me. My husband, Simon Doonan, recounted in a memoir how he persuaded his mother to buy a glass decanter at age 11, reflecting a common experience among many gay men regarding a coveted decorative item. I was fixated on a casserole dish that was so beautifully crafted; it was evident the potter possessed remarkable talent. Unfortunately, I no longer have it, and I often wonder what became of it!

Question: Were there inspirations from your childhood?

Jonathan Adler: My father was both a lawyer and an extraordinarily talented artist. He painted and sculpted in our basement during every free moment, leading me to establish my own pottery studio in a corner of that space. We worked on our creations together, often with me playing new wave music loudly while he remained blissfully unaware.

Question: When did it dawn on you that pottery could be a career?

Jonathan Adler: Initially, I never considered making a living as a potter and attempted conventional jobs, ultimately failing. At 27, my grandmother gifted me $20,000 from her stocks, which was a lifesaver, especially since I had just lost my last job. Instead of pursuing another job, I decided to focus on making pottery and teaching night classes for studio space. With connections from a friend at the Museum of Art and Design, I began selling my pieces. Soon after, I received an order from Barney's, which propelled my career forward!

two pictures next to each other. On the left, a row of white Jonathan Adler vases. On the right, a blue dining room with lots of art on the wall

Question: Was your pottery style back then similar to what you create now?

Jonathan Adler: I produce a wide variety of items, but I hope that all my work can be viewed as minimalist. Most of my creations are simplified to express the core message I aim to convey. They are clean, precise, and somewhat graphic, exuding elegance.

Question: Do you think people associate you with the term “minimalist”?

Jonathan Adler: Not really. When people think of me, they often view my personality as cheeky and playful. While that perception has helped my business and engagement, it misrepresents my work, leading people to assume I must be a maximalist. In reality, I am serious and minimalist.

Question: Which project marked a significant shift in your career, and why?

Jonathan Adler: I needed to make a living, and the prospect of doing so as a potter seemed unlikely, so I accepted every opportunity. A friend's request to design her house led me to the owner of The Parker hotel in Palm Springs, who asked me to design the interior. I find that interior design allows me to understand others, stepping outside the introspection of being a maker. It’s about interpreting a client’s life and bringing vibrancy to their spaces. I often say interior design is like being a flattering mirror, reflecting clients at their most glamorous. The Parker project was a true dream.

two pictures next to each other. On the left, the big gold banana at Parker Palm Springs. On the right, orange dining chairs on a striped blue rug

Question: It’s a famous location, especially for the big gold banana. How did that come to be?

Jonathan Adler: The owner wanted a public sculpture, and I eagerly agreed! Throughout my career, I have explored various themes, including erotica, which I've always found intriguing. My work features vases of women’s forms, but I’ve never created representations of men due to their lack of elegance. Thus, I began crafting banana sculptures as a playful nod to phallic symbols. Functionality was key, so the banana’s three peels serve as seats, though they become too hot to sit on in the desert sun.

Question: You recently redesigned the iconic Grey Gardens house – what was that like?

Jonathan Adler: My best friend acquired Grey Gardens, previously owned by Jackie Kennedy's cousins and the subject of a beloved documentary. After designing her Palm Beach home, I helped enhance many public areas with a bit of flair. The house is an incredible space, and the gardens are simply breathtaking, making it a truly enchanting Hamptons residence.

Question: Having recently completed your own home in Palm Beach, did you notice any evolution in your style since your last personal project?

Jonathan Adler: I'm always remaking items, so my style and homes are constantly evolving. I enjoy living with my creations and integrating them into my space. My husband often finds himself navigating unexpected furniture additions. Now, as a seasoned potter, I feel fortunate to have built a thriving business that grants me a comfortable life. I had expected to be selling my work at dreary craft fairs, but now I have two homes in fabulous locations. Shelter Island embodies a more rustic, organic, and modern aesthetic, while Palm Beach reflects vibrant colors and the sunny Florida vibe.

two images next to each other. On the left, an outdoor living room with large green sofa. On the right, Jonathan Adler sits behind a potter's wheel

Question: What does the concept of home signify for you, especially when it varies by location?

Jonathan Adler: Home is where my husband and I playfully argue about who brewed the last cup of tea. Our banter is unprintable! That's just our dynamic – we laugh together all day. I feel incredibly lucky to have found such a wonderful partner.

Question: What inspires you beyond interiors?

Jonathan Adler: Primarily, pottery remains my enduring passion.

Question: Lastly, what advice do you have for aspiring designers?

Jonathan Adler: It’s challenging, but I recommend deeply studying design history and cultivating a discerning eye. As I reflected on my childhood engagement with ceramics, I understood every reference and the intentions of each potter. Aspiring artists should embrace this comprehensive approach to build their knowledge base.

Speaking with Jonathan Adler serves as a reminder that exceptional design transcends aesthetics – it embodies curiosity, humor, and a commitment to following one’s passions. His journey from summer camp pottery to a global design leader reflects the same enthusiasm he has for clay today. Whether reinventing a Palm Beach residence, adding flair to Grey Gardens, or crafting another elegantly minimalist piece, Jonathan's joy in his work is unmistakable. His guidance to young creatives – study thoroughly, observe widely, and appreciate your craft’s heritage – remains timeless.

Layered Lives is an interview series featuring iconic creatives, exploring the memories, belongings, and inspirations that shape their aesthetic, revealing the stories and experiences that influence their work.