Q & A with the talented Sean Woolsey of the California cool + refined Sean Woolsey Studio – Costa Mesa, CA

Image credit: Sean Woolsey Studio

Q & A with the talented Sean Woolsey of the California cool + refined Sean Woolsey Studio – Costa Mesa, CA

The vibe of the showroom and workshop emanates a creative and refined energy. You might think this is what lead us to Sean Woolsey Studio, and you are right, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. It is really about recognizing and respecting the journey of our fellow dreamers. Layers of inspiration to be discovered in the following Q & A session from youthful enthusiasms, to disciplined lifestyle choices, to admired artists + writers:

Q. Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Orange County (in Yorba Linda to be exact) and grew up skateboarding, surfing, playing baseball and constantly making things. 

Q. Did you ever make anything out of wood/other materials as a child..is there a golden thread here?

I grew up always skateboarding and making skate ramps, always making artwork, and sewing my own clothing. I was a very hands on kid, heavily influenced by skate and surf culture and my dad who made amazing stained glass pieces for a living. 

Q. What motivated you to make furniture + game tables?

At first a desire to make things for myself, the ping pong came first after woodworking for a few years, for us just to have at the shop to play some games while at work. 

Q. When it comes to your current work, what is your most treasured possession?

Probably the Neo Pool Table that we make as a product. It is the most difficult to make, and with that comes great rewards. 

Q. College/Trade School, yay or nay? 

Took several woodworking classes, and did a short apprenticeship for a woodworker. 

Q. From whom did you inherit your aesthetic? 

A mix of my mom, dad, traveling, my wife, and my friends. 

Q. What is your favorite journey?

My wife and I traveled around America for 8 weeks in a Westfalia van one summer. It was a bucket list item and was an amazing experience. 

Q. Who are your favorite artists or writers?

Soooo many. In no particular order: Sam Maloof, Finn Juhl, Wharton Esherick, George Nakashima, Robert Rauschenburg, Jean Michel Basquiat, Joseph Eichler, and writers Chuck Palahniuk and Ayn Rand.

What do you find yourself saying when asked about your work?

I love what I do. I am obsessed with making things and constantly learning. 

What is your motto?

Attention to detail is the religion of success. 

Does your skillset travel to the kitchen? 

Yeah, I love cooking. 

What is your most prized ingredient or go-to meal?

Go to meals would be pizza in our pizza oven at home or spaghetti and meatballs, or handmade pasta. 

When it comes to design + dining, what comes to mind?

For me both cooking and designing/making are similar in that good ingredients (whether it be produce on a farm or wood from a mill) produce beautiful finished products, and I love food and design that tells a full story. Lark is a great example of this as working with local chefs using in season produce to create a culinary experience that is very unique. 

Woodworking @seanwoolseystudio
Image credit: Sean Woolsey Studio

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

Friday, May 5, 2023 w/the talented Chef Taylor Elam

Sean Woolsey Studio
770 W 17th St Unit 1
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(17th & Placentia)

More details, including the menu, here

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

Lark + Chef Kyle + 503found in Newport Beach, California

We will forever revel in our super fun lark at the beautiful 503found. Chef Kyle delivered BIG time on effort and flavor. He crafted his own makeshift kitchen steps away from our communal table and served up a fine menu. Music flowed, wine was poured and friends were made in the midst of the beautiful, eclectic artwork and furnishings.

We had a beautifully styled table thanks to our lark crew, 503found’s offerings, and the hand-lettered menus created by LetterSparrow.

Thank you to all the beautiful people who attended, we are grateful to the good energy and love you brought to this occasion. We hope we inspired you to come on a future lark!

In closing, we are super thankful to Kim J., owner of 503found, for her free spirit, style and inspiration. 503found is housed in a former boathouse sure to be full of good times and stories – and we are proud to have added to them.

Special thanks to Photographer Brian Tropiano, Marisa Powers, & Lark stylists: Ginger Wallace, Monique Schulfer & Catherine Rex.

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Proofs_Lark@503_0063

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Proofs_Lark@503_0066

Proofs_Lark@503_0071
Cheers! Lark #12 @503found

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Proofs_Lark@503_0086
Cheers! Lark #12 @503found

Proofs_Lark@503_0091
Cheers! Lark #12 @503found

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found