When Lindsey Adelman attended her first Robin Hood event in the early 2000s, she was amazed to see so many private citizens devoting their hearts and dollars to creating a better city. “It’s a really hard thing to pull off, and Robin Hood does it year after year,” she said.
Today, Adelman is an internationally renowned lighting designer whose work has been exhibited at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum and Design Miami, but she remains a proud New Yorker and generous supporter of Robin Hood.
Adelman and her team are currently auctioning nine standout pieces on Artsy to benefit Robin Hood, and each winning bid includes a studio visit. The auction closes on March 8, so be sure to place your bid soon.
Below is a condensed version of a recent conversation between Adelman and Pamela Ellison, managing director of development at Robin Hood:
What role should artists play in the movement to create a better city?
Artists and designers – people who pursue a more creative path – tend to think unconventionally. I think we really limit ourselves if we only modify what is, rather than thinking about what could be.
Do you see any common threads between the work of Robin Hood and your work?
I built my company around a commitment to creating meaningful work and a sense of community — a community that includes our clients, artisans, and vendors. It’s all about everyone adding value and bringing their best selves to the table, and being recognized for that.
It’s the same with Robin Hood, which is all about community and connection. Poverty isn’t someone else’s problem — it’s our problem. I’m really inspired by that kind of thinking.
What should people know about your work?
I don’t only use lighting to solve a design problem — I’m trying to create a space or mood, or activate negative space.
I really love using materials that last forever and age beautifully, whether it be brass or glass or gold or bronze.
Nothing’s truly interesting if you can predict the form. I bring dramatic tension into my work by combining opposing forces — for example, straight lines and curves, or masculine and feminine shapes.
What inspired you to organize this auction now?
We can’t just sit back anymore, because this is not a time for complacency. We have to look out for each other — and we are. People are helping each other. We’re seeing progress through participation, and I’m proud to be part of it.
Robin Hood is tremendously grateful to Lindsey and her team for donating their time, hard work, and creativity to New Yorkers in need. Thank you!