Pinch Collection
When art and function converge, magic happens. This is the essence of Stephen Antonson's work, a Brooklyn-based plaster artist whose pieces invite us to engage with design on a deeper, tactile level. The Pinch hardware collection, a breathtaking collaboration with Jessica Davis of Nest Studio, showcases where organic forms meet refined craftsmanship in a celebration of beauty and functionality.
A Journey of Materiality
Antonson's artistic journey began at Carnegie Mellon University, where he explored various materials—from stone and ceramics to metal and photography. However, it was the fluidity and versatility of plaster that truly captured his imagination, allowing him to sculpt dynamic pieces that beckon interaction. Though he first experimented with plaster in college, it became his defining medium after moving to New York. More recently, a serendipitous commission with Nest Studio set him on a path that culminated in a stunning line of luxury hardware called Pinch—merging Antonson’s experimental spirit with Nest Studio’s artful approach to contemporary cabinet hardware.
The Birth of Pinch
The Pinch Collection’s uniqueness lies in its spontaneous origins. Jessica Davis, inspired by Antonson’s mastery of plaster, envisioned transforming his sculptural works into functional art—specifically, cabinet handles, knobs, and pulls that marry the transcendent properties of art with practical use. The result is a collection that embodies beauty and function, each piece crafted from solid brass and hand-finished to perfection. Available in four exquisite finishes—Polished Brass No Lacquer, Polished Nickel, Matte White, and Blackened Bronze—the Pinch hardware line invites attention and interaction, turning any piece of furniture into a conversation starter.
A Playful Approach
At the heart of Antonson’s creative process is joy and spontaneity. He describes his favorite part as the quest for the perfect form—something playful and purposeful. For the Pinch Collection, he drew inspiration from pie tins. “These tins had the right kind of form memory,” Antonson explains. “They could be cut, bent, squeezed, and manipulated into the shapes I envisioned. It felt like an artistic freedom I hadn’t experienced before.” This whimsical approach led to the central act of “pinching,” where each curve and fold evokes tactile intimacy, encouraging touch and admiration.
Craftsmanship + Tactility
The final pieces of the Pinch hardware line exude a sense of movement, with each bend and edge reflecting Antonson's commitment to detail and the belief that design should engage the senses. “They had to work blindfolded,” he asserts. “They needed to be pleasing to touch, to have that kind of instant connection when you interact with them.” It's a language that is both sculptural and functional—each interaction is a celebration of the art of touch. We invite you to explore the Pinch collection in all of its oversized beauty today at Dshop.
