Interview: Hyper-Minimalism and Modern Design: The Creative Inspiration of Bi-rite (Cat Snodgrass)
New York-based Cat Snodgrass is a buyer and designer known for her work with Bi-Rite, a shop and design studio she launched in Brooklyn in 2015. Her unique style and curation of postmodern and minimalist furniture and lighting have attracted attention both in Japan and overseas through her posts on Instagram. In recent years, she has also been producing her own works, such as rugs and plates designed with a focus on industrial materials and minimalism, expanding the scope of the brand's unique activities.
Please tell us what inspired you to start Bi-rite.
In 2015, there were not many opportunities for young people who were just starting to learn design. At that time, many furniture stores in New York were following a certain lifestyle template, so I wanted to do something completely different.
What is your source of inspiration for coming up with new ideas?
I'm very inspired by art and architecture, so I spend a lot of time walking around New York City, exploring and paying attention to everything I see, and I try to be exposed to as much art as possible, so New York is the perfect place for inspiration in that respect.
Tell us about some of your recent designs.
I have designed a rug called "Perforated Rug." I am also planning to release a series of plates with number motifs, painted plates, and am currently working on a series of fluorescent lights that I am prototyping.
How do the works you design and the objects sold at Bi-rite influence each other?
I think of Bi-Rite's curation as the use of restraint. Some people call it "hyper-minimalism." When selecting items for our store, we focus on designs that feel classic and iconic, but also have cutting-edge quality. We feel there is value in pieces that are timeless in style and versatile enough to work with any interior.
What do you think about Japanese design and art?
I want to know more about modern Japan, so I want to go there and experience it for myself. I'm also planning to travel there next year. Historically, 20th century Japan has produced many minimalist thinkers in various fields, and they are a big inspiration for me. There are too many to name, but I respect Shigeru Uchida/Studio 80, Tadao Ando, Shiro Kuramata, Oki Sato, Issey Miyake, and others.
You handle a wide range of products, and you create visual images for each product. I think this is one of the unique elements of Bi-Rite. How did this approach come about, and what is the process?
As part of our branding, the things we show on Instagram have a certain stripped-down approach. We don't shoot in styled interiors, but rather remove all stylistic context. This encourages people to see the objects as sculptural, independent designs, rather than fitting into a specific interior style. We remove all contextual noise and emphasize the design itself, which is a key element of Bi-rite's creative direction.
Do you travel a lot? Tell us about a recent trip that particularly inspired you.
When I have time, I travel a lot. Recently I went to Milan for the Milano Salone. Not only the fair, but the city itself always inspires me whenever I visit. Fondazione Prada is one of them, which has really influenced me. I travel by bicycle and try to experience as much architecture as possible. Architecture is an important source of inspiration for me.
Could you tell us about your musical tastes and the artists you've been listening to recently?
I used to work in the music industry so my tastes are pretty eclectic, but lately I've been listening to a lot of 90s and 2000s house, dance and drum and bass, which I feel pairs well with the repetition, minimalism and directness that inspires my productions.
Can you tell us about your future prospects and goals?
In 2024-2025, we plan to launch four new original items and several new partnerships. While Bi-rite continues to grow as an online platform, we have our sights set on opening a flagship store in the near future.
Bi-rite: Web / IG Cat Snodgrass: IG
Interviewer : Yusho Nishioka
