Unique Talent: Kevin Randolph

Many times I come across incredibly talented people who produce captivating works of art, stunning jewelry, unique furnishings, gorgeous textiles etc. I am so impressed by what they do, but often I am surprised that they are not as well known as they should be. Do their admirers keep them a secret, not wanting to share them? But I want the world to know about these wonderful artists! So I thought I would share their craft with you all.

Let’s start with Kevin Randolph, one of those awesome individuals who have been following their passion from a very young age. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Kevin always enjoyed taking things apart. That used to get him into serious trouble until he got older and learned how to put things back together. And these days Kevin is very good at putting the oddest things together. He started out building bicycles from parts and made his first lamp at the age of twelve. Clearly a sign of what was to come!

Kevin moved to San Francisco in 1980, and after working as a builder for many years he founded his company Reuse Lighting, which has been a source for interior designers, galleries, and restaurateurs who are looking for unusual one-of-a-kind lighting. Kevin’s work is utterly inventive, made from predominantly salvaged parts. He loves working with glass and metal most and often includes magnifying glasses and mirror; but he has also incorporated more unusual materials such as bones, bamboo, starfish, coral, and even a gun.

Kevin has been called on by designers such as Will Wick for whom he created amongst other things a wreath for Battersea, which was auctioned off at Jingle & Mingle, a charity event that benefits the Children of Shelters. His work is showcased at Paxton Gate and The Perish Trust. You can also see some of his lights in The Perish Trust’s co-founder Kelly Ishikawa’s apartment featured in the premiere issue of the newly launched magazine Anthology.

I had the pleasure of working with Kevin on a green residential design project and on Mavelous, a coffee & wine bar that just opened on Market Street. We had a great time collaborating although I challenged him to move a little out of his usually more rustic comfort zone. The owners were so pleased that they asked him to also make a custom siphon holder and Chemex stand for their special coffee makers. But Mavelous is not the only public place where you can see this artist’s lights in action. A number of San Francisco restaurants, such as Flour & Water, Bar Crudo, Taco Bar, and community spaces such as Plaza Adelente, employed his talents for unique lighting.

Kevin Randolph is someone with a wide open mind and an amazing vision where he twists what seems odd or ordinary into something magical. I can’t wait to work with him again!

Cheers,