Introducing "In Transit", a Globetrotter Original, where we catch up with friends and family who pass through our neighborhood.
Designer and professor Norman Teague was on a holiday earlier this year when he decided to stop by our office in Jakarta, approximately 9000 miles away from his hometown in Chicago. After starting his vacation in Jamaica, he flew to Indonesia, whose hot weather gave Norman quite a shock (when the video was taken last January, Chicago was experiencing a heavy snowstorm). Still, despite the heat and its lack of Afrobeat, Norman thought Indonesia was "dope fun."
Back in his windy hometown, Norman is known for his partnerships with Leaders1354, The Silver Room, The Exchange Cafe and Redmoon Theater. With a focus on urbanism and communities, Norman works with locally-sourced materials to build objects or spaces that speak to the culture of the clients or communities.
So it’s no wonder if Norman was so taken by the creativity he saw during his trip in Indonesia. “As a furniture designer, I have not seen more craft, really good craft. in one place in my entire life,“ he said. “The craftspeople on the street are just amazing. I want to get out of the cab and, like, you know, [sit] on the side of the road and be, like, ‘Can I just sit with you for the rest of the day? ‘Cause I wanna learn how to weave that basket!’“
Watch the video above!
Follow Norman Teague on Instagram
