February 01, 2024

Volume 174

Environments that create identity

Curated by Ben Olson

Owner/Founder of Art Fin Co.

I grew up in the mountains of Colorado in a family of artists.

Free time was spent drawing, painting, sculpting, and making things with my hands. We built our house when I was younger, which really gave me an opportunity to see that woodworking is simply a three dimensional version of what I loved to do on paper or canvas. I didn’t start building furniture till after college, finding that off the shelf pieces were limiting to create the feel I wanted to exist in. At the beginning I would build furniture during the day while bartending at night to make a living. After a handful of referrals and a non stop love for making things I thought it was time to take it full time.

I founded Fin Art 15 years ago here in Denver with a vision to build furniture and environments that create an identity. Everyone has their own story to tell, and I enjoy creating that reality with our clients. We’re a team of 7, all from different backgrounds in life and turned into more of a family over the years. We’ve been honored to build and work with the best restaurants, breweries, salons, offices, residences, etc. around Colorado. Recent favorites have been with The Nature Conservancy, Twitter, Lady Nomada, and Colorado’s favorite Casa Bonita.

What's been keeping you grounded?

I just moved into a new shop after 10 years in the previous space. We outgrew that one, reached its potential, and we really were in need of a change of scenery. I think it’s important every now and then to hit reset, take inventory, and see life and all that is happening around us from a different perspective. Being that growth often comes from change, I look forward to where we’ll be years from now.

What are you into lately?

01 WHAT'S KEEPING ME GROUNDED


The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
(Also the Daily Stoic Podcast).

I have read a passage from this book, along with listening to the podcast, daily since the pandemic began. There are so many things in this world that are out of our control, yet we have all the power in how we choose to respond to life. I like to think that every morning we all have an opportunity to decide how we’re going to ‘show up’ today, and why not be the best version of ourselves.

WHAT IM ROCKIN'

I don’t shop for clothes very often and tend to hesitate before buying. To be honest, after I watched the short film with Mike talking about his love for creating this brand, I purchased my first Shepherds Shirt. I like to own fewer, high-quality things that have a story behind them; something I can relate to. This same sentiment is how and why people buy my furniture and work with Fin Art when creating a space. Imperfects is brilliant, their clothing is timeless and will last for the long haul. The Shepherds Shirt in Rinsed Dark Navy Shipyard Canvas (thank you, Tim!) is by far the most handsome piece in my closet. I wear this out when I want to step it up a level—feel dapper, yet not stuffy. The Shepherds Shirt in Indigo Hickory Stripe, Gold Thread Special is an everyday workhorse. Being so broken in, it’s one of those shirts that feels like I’ve owned it my entire life. My favorite thing about the Courier Pant in Indigo Hickory Stripe, other than the fit and style, is the thigh pocket. Whether it's my phone, wallet, or tools for sculpting, it is always convenient for me.

Poem of the Week

02 QUOTE OF THE WEEK


“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.”
— Leonardo DaVinci

What are you reading?

03 WHAT I'M DRINKING


Black Coffee and Best Day Brewing
Black coffee, more or less all day long… Every now and then I like to end the day with Best Day Brewing n/a craft beer. You get all the taste you’re looking for while supporting another company of like minded people.

04 WHAT I'M UP TO, HEALTH-WISE


Yoga
My wife and I do yoga every morning just before our kids wake up. It really is the only moment in the day that completely belongs to me. Not only does it open my body up for a day at the shop, it also is that quiet place I can escape to before all the chaos begins.

05 WHAT I'M READING


The Overstory by Richard Powers
This book will forever change your perspective when you look at trees. The quiet role that they play in life often goes unnoticed and overlooked. To think that generations pass by while trees live well beyond them is fascinating. It’s also a reminder that we need to pay more attention to what we’re doing to the environment, and why we should be more considerate as humans.

What are you drinking?

06 WHAT I'M INTO LATELY
The Shop
We make time in the shop to create pieces that don’t have a final destination. Prototypes we can test, critique, and learn from. Being able to try new methods, look at different shapes and layouts gives us the opportunity to see what works and what doesn’t. I think this is one way we all remain interested and invested in what we get to do on a daily basis. If we didn’t take that kind of time to play with a variety of materials and what they can do, this would all just feel like ‘work’ all the time. 

If it’s not the shop though, it’s important to me to be with my wife, kids (7 and 3 years old) , and the best dog on the face of the planet. I feel like I’m missing out when I’m not with them. They’re going to be so little and young only this one time, and I’d be remiss if I were to pass any of that up.

What are you listening to?

07 WHAT I'M LISTENING TO


Ritmo Cascabel
One of the guys in the shop plays guitar in a Cumbia band named "Ritmo Cascabel," which incidentally has meant that Cumbia music has been an everyday sound at Fin Art. Give these guys a listen, and don’t hesitate to dance a bit when you turn it up!

Listen here.