Meet the Maker: Cristina Grajales & Christophe Côme
We worked closely with Cristina Grajales, gallery owner and director of the eponymous gallery, and Christophe Côme, an artist who Grajales has represented for nearly 20 years, to create a large-scale custom commissioned window screen for our Winter Retreat project. We sat down with them to delve into their unique backgrounds, the evolution of their work, and their dedication to bringing this unique design to our Palm Beach project.
Christophe Côme, raised in an artistic family, studied bronze casting under sculptor Louis Derbe before transitioning from jewelry and sculpture to furniture design in the 1990s. His work incorporates wrought iron, textured finishes, and transformed glass elements, drawing inspiration from architecture, nature, and contemporary sculpture. By melding industrial materials like iron and glass with innovative techniques, Côme creates timeless, evocative designs that blend craftsmanship and artistry.
What first inspired you to pursue a career in art and design?
After studying hotel management, tableware, and cookery, I met a sculptor named Louis Derbré, who gave me the opportunity to learn a new ‘savoir faire’ with him. A little while later, I started making a few sculptures on my own. Eventually, the infinite world of furniture caught my interest and I had a great desire to create unique pieces.
How has your artistic style evolved?
A major turning point in my career was when I first encountered industrial glass. Commissions from Cristina Grajales Gallery started coming in, and Cristina and her clients encouraged me to explore and innovate further. Over the past several years, I have been introducing more color into my work through ceramics made in my studio. The endless possibilities fascinate me, and it’s a way of keeping my hands busy.
How important is it to balance form and function in your work?
That’s a difficult question. The best work combines both, you need to have the imagination but also the technical skills.
What is your favorite aspect of working with iron and glass?
These two materials come from the fire arts, which will always captivate my attention. Consciously or unconsciously, the friction between these two materials is intriguing to everyone, the solid with the fragile. My favorite part of the job is meeting and working with metal and glass artisans who have not only mastered their technique, but are also willing to teach me. If you can finesse the delicacy with the weight, there are no limits.
You created a commissioned screen for our Winter Retreat project in Palm Beach. What was the design directive for this piece?
I was given a large set of dimensions to work with and the freedom to realize a dream. The design was inspired by a panel I made many years ago, it was a study for a door. Each glass roundel is leafed with metal, so as the Florida sun shines through the backside, it lights up, it glows.
Can you share how you approach creating art that interacts so dynamically with its surroundings?
The screen was specifically designed to obscure what’s behind that window. The clients and my gallery team always give me as much information as possible about the environment in which the work will go. There is often much discussion, back and forth, before the right idea comes to mind. Usually, the client knows what they want, and it’s very important to listen.
What inspired the geometric motifs you used here?
I’m always looking. I studied the room in which the panel was going, the private home, and the area in Palm Beach. In this particular area, it seemed like anything was possible. Just looking at that set of stairs, and the banister, what a marvel! Then as you reach the landing, the window called for something just as grand.
Is there a story or anecdote you’d like to share about this piece?
Not long after the screen was delivered and installed, the client decided to add more glass. I needed to come up with an elegant and discreet way to do this without having to remove the screen from the frame. We came up with a successful, seamless solution to do so and we were very happy with the end result.
What’s the most unexpected source of inspiration you’ve encountered recently?
Some recent purchases that give me a great deal of inspiration are an antique iron tool, a dog collar that protects against wolves, and a fantastic 19th-century wrought iron work from the Pyrenees.
Cristina Grajales has significantly influenced the design world, curating career-defining exhibitions and advising global collectors on landmark acquisitions. Founder of her namesake gallery, she champions artisanship and innovation while fostering dialogue through initiatives like “Dialogues with Design Legends.” Her leadership is recognized by prestigious awards and her role in advancing contemporary design.
Is there a clear connection or common thread between the artists you represent?
The artists we represent value craftsmanship, innovation, and creativity. Their work has soul. The essence of the gallery lies in fostering meaningful collaborations and showcasing artists and designers whose work tells a story, evokes emotion, and embodies timeless artistry.
What is it like working with interior designers?
We love working with interior designers. Oftentimes, the interior designer presents an idea that forces us to push the boundaries and challenge what’s conventional. These relationships allow us to explore different materials and ideas we may have never thought possible.
How does the gallery handle special requests or customizations?
The majority of the sales we do with our clients and designers is custom made to order. We work very closely with them both to provide the client with as many great, original ideas as possible. We need to fulfill all of their requirements but also have fun doing it. Ultimately, we are bringing their vision to life.
Where can people view Christophe Come’s work as well as the rest of Cristina Grajales’ artists?
Please come to visit us at our gallery in Tribeca, on Vestry Street. We also have a beautiful website. In the gallery, we have a wonderful selection of Christophe’s work here all the time. Outside of the gallery, his work can be found in Chanel stores around the world. One of his Triscota Cabinets is also part of the permanent collection at the Corning Museum.