Caine Heintzman's Craft

Please introduce yourself and the work that you do.
I’m Caine Heintzman; a Canadian designer living and working in Vancouver.  In addition, I am a co-founder of ANDlight, which is a decorative luminaire manufacturer and design office, also based here in Vancouver. My design practice focuses on lighting for ANDlight as well as a myriad of other design applications for products, furniture, objects and other creative pursuits.

What does craft mean to you?
My understanding is that craft is the application of a learned or trained skill applied to making a specific thing. I wouldn’t describe what I do as a craft per se, as the circumstances around each project I’m involved with vary so widely that I wouldn't dare say I am particularly skilled at one thing more than another, rather I would focus on finding creative solutions, and creating systems and processes with materials which could support the continual production of those processes to make a consistent product. Alternatively, I would describe my occupation as a practice because it is necessary to constantly learn new skills and toolset.

What is the vision for ANDlight? What motivates the design and the intention behind the pieces you create?
The goal from the outset with ANDlight was to create a commercially viable vehicle for our own design ideas (my partners Matt Davis, and Lukas Peet), and based on our experience in the field we saw an unfulfilled area of product design that we felt we could positively contribute to. The goal of our design philosophy has always been to create functional, long-lasting, thoughtful and unique design concepts to market while integrating the most efficient and best technology available.

What is the thing you enjoy most about your craft?
The exposure to a variety of processes and mediums is great, as it ensures I am striving to learn new things. One of the most rewarding aspects is being able to put on noise-cancelling headphones and sketch with a pen and paper, as this is often where the genesis of ideas begins to take visual shape. 

Describe the feeling you get when you are in flow with your craft and your work.
I’ll let you know when that happens! Day to day is usually quite fragmented due to the daily operation of ANDlight, however, when I can carve out time to sketch or make physical prototypes it is usually instantaneously rewarding.

How has your craft shaped your relationship with the world?
My experiences have taught me about the value of time in relation to the things we have or how we choose to spend our time.

What is the most rewarding thing about creating and building a brand with your business partners?
Everyone brings their own personality and strengths to what we do, so I see the company as the direct result of our collaboration. Watching the company grow and change daily is inspiring.

How do you balance your craft to make sure that you don't burn out and stay inspired?
Travel, if possible. Having interests outside work is healthy. Doing some exercise benefits the mind.  Enjoy good food and wine.

Why Vancouver?
The rain makes me appreciate the sun even more.