John Lin is a New York-based design entrepreneur. Originally trained as a fashion designer, she has professional experience as a designer, copywriter, trend forecaster, educator and curator. John is the founder of Colony, a designer cooperative; design charity Reclaim NYC; and Tribeca Design District. She also sits on the board of the Female Design Council. Jean currently teaches at her alma mater, the Parsons School of Design, and has been a guest lecturer and critic at the Rhode Island School of Design, Pratt Institute, and Tama Art University in Tokyo.

Today, Jean joins us for friday five!

1. My dog, Bosco

My 15 year old dog, Bosco, passed away on September 12, 2021 and although I no longer cry every day, I certainly think of him and miss him every day. Dogs are the ultimate companion and when you’re lucky enough to find ‘your dog’ it’s a lifelong bond, even after they’re gone.

2.Glenstone

I visited the monumental art museum in Glenstone a few years ago and couldn’t forget how beautiful and moving the experience was. Landscape and architecture perfectly showcase the stunning contemporary art collection of Emily and Mitch Rales, private collectors on a mission to share the power of art, architecture and nature with the audience. The work Double Water, v.3, 2013–2015 by Roni Horn floored me. The piece consists of two giant cast glass cylinders, one clear white and one matte black.

3. John Risley

I didn’t know who John Risley was until his sculptural iron furniture started showing up at the antique and vintage furniture auctions we frequent in Colony. I love the artful whimsy of his works which read like hand sketches of the artist’s friends and neighbors. There isn’t a lot of extra space in my house for more furniture, but a John Risley piece is on my coveted list.

4. Stella Jean

Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean has been one of my fashion favorites for a few years now. I love its colorful patterns inspired by traditional African wax print fabric done in artful yet wearable silhouettes. She also recently led a movement that brought issues of racial inequality in fashion to the forefront during Milan Fashion Week.

5. Lawdy mom by Barkley Hendricks

I purchased a gold leaf print of this painting from Barkley Hendricks Lawdy mom and i love it so much. At the beginning of my stay in New York, I went to an exhibition at the Studio Museum in Harlem and saw this painting in person and it took my breath away. I will never forget this show because it was also the first time I saw a piece of Kehinde Wiley in person before it exploded into popular culture. I couldn’t believe my eyes and felt so lucky to be in New York to see and experience so much beauty. Every time I look at my draw, it reminds me of the power of this experience.

Artwork by Jean Lin + Colony:

Kelly Beall is an editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember and enjoys sharing her discoveries with others. When she’s not distracted by great art and design, she can be found messing around in the kitchen, consuming as much information as she can, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social media.