Art tells the story of a home; it offers insight into what a person finds attractive, important and intriguing. Art can involve painting, illustration, sculpture and other forms of traditional creation, but there are many elements of décor that unexpectedly contribute art to a space.
Candles, for example, not only offer ambient light and style within their design, but also generate one of the most important elements of experiencing a home: scent.
When designing a space, candles are a fundamental ingredient to the final presentation; lately my must-have item is a piece (or a few!) from Vancouver Candle Company. Their designs are minimalistic and chic, which makes their soy candles approachable for any aesthetic, and the personalized scent story based on the various Vancouver neighbourhoods are a shout out to the importance of hyper local design.
The team behind the company is just as sweet as their creations – it’s such a treat as a designer to work with and support local craftsmen who truly put their hearts into their work – so I couldn’t wait to share a bit more with you about Vancouver Candle Co. founder Nick Rabuchin.
Tell us a little about yourself:
Nick Rabuchin, candle maker. Originally from San Diego, I moved to Vancouver to pursue a degree in art history at UBC. After being unsuccessful at finding a job, I went back to school to get a diploma in event management and I worked for a couple of years as an event designer. I fell in love with and in Vancouver and decided to stay!
How did you get started in candle making and what led you to where you are now?
We bought an expensive candle from an interior design store that burned poorly. After researching why it burned the way it did, I learned that the candle had a lot of nasty things inside. I didn’t feel comfortable burning it in my home and decided to make my own. The rest is history…
Do you have a Vancouver muse? Or a favourite place in or around the city that inspires you?
I have a favourite spot on the beach near Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver where I think about life.
What colour best describes your personality?
Red.
What is your favourite accessory (for home or personal)?
Flowers.
If you were a type of candy, what would you be?
Gummy bear (yum).
What is your quirkiest attribute?
I have a weird laugh (or so I’ve been told)
When it comes to style/design, what is the one thing you treasure the most?
I wear this diamond ring; my grandmother found the stone in a mine.
Any predictions for the future of the industry?
Buying local. Buyers caring about where their goods come from, what’s in them, and how they are made.
Some people collect old cameras and typewriters. Do you collect anything?
Stamps in my passport.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Travelling. Open up an antique store.
Finish this sentence: my day is not complete without…
Spending time with the people I love.
If you could describe your artistic style in one word, what would it be?
Clean.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Surrounding myself with creative people and bouncing ideas.
Is there a song or a musician that inspires you to create?
“Me and Mariah go back like babies and pacifiers.”
What do you wish more people knew about artists?
I don’t consider myself an artist. I’m just a candle maker making things I love for the people that love it!
Do you have a favourite creative space?
I work in an artist collective space. My studio inspires me.
If you could speak to a room of youth who were considering careers in the arts, what would your advice be?
Do what you love, love what you do.
Which is more inspiring: loomy weather or sunshine?
Sunshine, obvi!
