Nick Thomm Talks Sculptural Design and Spatial Impact at Design Miami 2024
At Design Miami 2024, we had the opportunity to chat with multidisciplinary artist Nick Thomm, the artist gave us an inside look at his latest body of work, a collection that fuses bold design with intentional functionality. Known for pushing boundaries with his use of material and finish, Thomm’s new series — Totems, Lock Boxes, and Spikes — aims to transform how we approach underutilized spaces in the home.
On Totems and Filling the Void
Standing beside his towering Totems, Thomm explained their purpose. “These pieces are designed for those forgotten spaces — stairwells, corners, places you don’t know what to do with,” he said. The works, created from spray acrylic, resin, and ink on wood panels, are finished with a high-polish technique reminiscent of automotive painting. “The gloss and texture really bring them to life. It’s about turning what’s empty into something meaningful.”
Lock Boxes: Light as a Design Element
Thomm’s Lock Boxes, represent a new direction in his work with light-based pieces. “These are about presence,” he told us. “They’re not just light fixtures; they’re sculptural objects that illuminate a space and create atmosphere.” With their clean, geometric lines and ambient glow, the Lock Boxes strike a balance between subtlety and impact. “I see these fitting into modern spaces where you want warmth but also something visually intriguing,” he added.
Spikes: Raw Energy in Sculpture
Rounding out the collection are Thomm’s Spikes, striking sculptural forms that exude tension and dynamism. “The Spikes are more aggressive, more tactile,” he explained. “They’re made with the same process as the Totems — spray acrylic, resin, wood — but the shapes push the material further.” Thomm described the pieces as a way to inject energy into a room. “These aren’t background objects; they’re meant to disrupt.”
Blurring the Lines Between Art and Design
When asked about his overarching vision, Thomm was clear: “I’m interested in how art interacts with space. It’s not just about creating something beautiful — it’s about shaping the environment.”
Thomm’s works at Design Miami stand as a testament to his commitment to rethinking traditional design paradigms. From Totems that redefine empty spaces to Lock Boxes that merge light and form, his latest collection challenges viewers to see their interiors differently.
For Thomm, it’s not about following trends. “I want these pieces to feel timeless, like they belong to the space but also elevate it,” he told us. And judging by the reactions at Design Miami, he’s accomplished just that.