Joel Escalona
All my life, I’ve just wanted to make beautiful and useful things, from whatever material, by whatever process.
Joel Escalona is a multi-talented artist and designer who blends technology, art, and philosophy in his work. With a background in industrial design and experience in teaching, creative direction, and business consulting, he has a unique perspective on creating innovative products and designs.As a design professor at CENTRO and Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico City, Joel is committed to sharing his professional knowledge and experience with his students. He is also a frequent speaker in the creative community, discussing all aspects of design.
Joel Escalona's early exposure to a creative yet technical father while growing up in Mexico in the 90's fostered a curiosity that would later shape his design philosophy, integrating the idea of transformation and reinvention throughout his career.He's always striving for clarity, wholeness and harmony. Inspired by metaphor, philosophy, and visual rhythm, Joel employs a keen balance of logic and emotion in his designs. He has a deep appreciation for natural materials and new technological advancements in creative processes. Contemporary art, photography, writing, and poetry all fuel his creativity, alongside the rich diversity of Mexico's social and cultural fabric.
Pragmatic, humorous and poetic, are words that best describe Joel’s work. As one of the most prolific designers of his generation, Joel’s work translates to much more than an extensive portfolio; it’s the materialization of his understanding of the culture around him, resulting in projects with a relevant discourse and that are a reflection of himself. Joel finds inspiration in the present. His work is a clear reflection of the events and culture surrounding him: his industrial design projects present a clear solution to current relevant problems, his furniture is designed with contemporary spaces and people in mind, and his personal editions project is an intimate reflection of how his mind works.
- Art: Joel Escalona