Sutro Tower Rack - Bringing Art Back to SF

San Francisco has been a mecca for creative types for as long as I can remember. In recent years it has begun to lose its truly creative energy which made SF so intriguing for me and many others. I came here to be a part of something that wasn't as free or unrestricted anywhere else in the world, but things change and now we are heading into a new era for the city.

Just as things began to change I was starting a new chapter in my life as an Industrial Designer, and many argue there is no other place right now besides SF to be one. I am forever grateful that my parents moved out here from the East Coast in the 60s and 70s; I had the opportunity to thrive in this creative valley now known for its Silicon and Technology. I grew up wanting to be an artist in this area, and eventually found a design ethos where I can blend technology and art harmoniously. San Francisco taught me to be creative, it showed me to take chances, and most of all it gave me the courage to express myself beyond my own perceived limits.

I loved SF for what it was to me growing up, and I still love the City for what it represents. However, we all know something is dangerously threatening this expressive culture at this very moment. We as designers and artists of this great city need not to give up but thrive in this environment. We need to show the new comers what SF is all about and educate them through beautiful art and design. I have taken my time to start a small side project over the past year to be one part of the bigger movement that must happen within this 7x7.

After many years of struggling to make it in SF as a successful Industrial Designer I finally have had the time to focus on one of my true passions: furniture design. I am very excited to announce that my side project the Sutro Tower Rack System has been funded on Kickstarter! This will help me pave the way to my lifelong dream of being a furniture designer, blending all of my experiences from this city. This is just one small step towards what needs to be done here to reinvigorate the great artists in the city. I encourage everyone who loves SF and its creative  spirit to start your own project and share it with your friends and colleagues not only here but around the world. 

The Sutro Tower Rack is my tribute to SF, and it is inspired by one of San Francisco's most underrated icons: Sutro Tower. The tower on top of Mt Sutro was built in the early 70's and many didn't see it as a beautiful design or something that would have a cult following decades later. Sutro Tower to this day is still not everyone's favorite, but it has become an icon that no one can refute. It stands higher than any structure in SF and will continue to do so for some time (Salesforce Tower anyone?). It peaks above the fog and has a cheerful character many feel but do not necessarily know how to express. I broke this complicated structure down to its core form and developed a furniture piece that represents SF from the street artist to the sophisticated minimalist. This design will stand timeless in the homes of  the few backers from Kickstarter, but hopefully will also be one small part in bringing back the respect for this creative city around the world. 

Link to the Kickstarter Campaign: 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sutrotowerrack/sutro-tower-rack-system

Link to my Design Website:

https://timothykevinseward.com/ 

Now get out there and represent SF!