Boy has it been awhile since we've revisited our "We Are" series. Well, we're excited to kick it back off with the ever-so-talented artist collective and local San Diegans, Town and Fields. The creative group is comprised of Phillip, Chelsea and Steve. Together, they form a team that is eager to bring good design and community together - so of course, we loved them!
From right to left: Steve, Chelsea and Phillip
Where did the name Town and Fields come from?
Steve: "The name Town & Fields was derived from the idea of supporting our creative community. That community is in a sense is made up of individuals or groups of ppl that believe and share similar passions. I get stoked when I meet other creatives and to hear how they've developed and continue to grow in what their passionate about. Town & Fields supports those who explore their passions in the "fields" to develop their skill/craft and in turn come back to pour into a community, a "town". On a grand scheme of things, San Diego is our "town", we love the approach of creating an environment that is all about bringing our community together. We hope to be an extended arm to help others network and build the creative culture in San Diego."
Someone's been shopping at Pigment // Odd Daughter Co. post card and Bradley Mountain Journal
Precious Patrick - the Town and Fields side-kick
What inspired you to start creating a light fixture line?
Chelsea: "Going back to when we were first married, Philip and I both had this desire to create. I started playing around with any sort of craft I could come up with and he started making steampunk lamps out of wooden boxes and trinkets. (Growing up, he learned the in's and out's of electrical work as his dad was an electrician.) One day he came up with the hardback book lamp, decided to list it in the shop, and that was that. We kept getting requests for more, so we kept the shop stocked with them. During this journey, we both were refining our skills, discovering our sense of style, figuring out how to pay attention to trends, and getting involved in the community around us. Eventually, we decided to run the shop together. We wanted to not only carry more of a selection of light fixtures, but fixtures that we would want in our home. So really, it was a slow and natural thing that just happened. I always tell people that we started our business on accident. Neither one of us woke up one morning with the brilliant idea of starting a lighting shop, but we went with it and it's been great. Add Steve into the mix a few years later and we're seeing a similar pattern. We never had the idea of running a brand with someone else, but it came up one day and it just made sense, so we decided to go with it full force."
What draws you to San Diego's North Park?
Philip: "I really like the creative and entrepreneurial energy that is apparent on the streets. It's just as lively as the Gaslamp District, but in a more authentic and communal sort of way."
When you hear the word "community" what comes to mind?
Chelsea: "When I hear the word community, I picture people coming together. But not just for the sake of being in the same place, but to have meaning and purpose. I think that concept is intentional, yet still general so that it doesn't put anything or anyone in a box, nor does it leave anyone out. We really want to that to be a big part of Town & Fields as we move forward. Because we know that without community, there wouldn't be any point to what we are doing."
What do you see in the future for Town and Fields?
Steve: "I try not to get too ahead of myself when dreaming over Town & Fields, but honestly I see the same vision we've created here in San Diego getting to other cities and having multiple locations." Look for Town & Fields products at Pigment online and instore very soon! In the meantime, check them out here and support your local designers!
photos by Chantal Pasag
