Frank Carfaro
I was recently diagnosed with bipolar at the age of 51. For five decades, I grappled with a misdiagnosis of ADHD and treated with drugs that were destroying me. As such, I decided to more to Colorado and create art that brings awareness to emotional and behavioral health.
Today everyone knows someone or is affected in some way by mental health challenges. This problem is getting worse and needs more attention.
I created Frank + Hank to tell my story in hopes of helping a person not have to go through what I did. To that end, I am proud to say I have positively affected many people’s live. I routinely speak to individuals and groups and assist them in getting help.
Hank is my alter ego. Hank is a name I’ve been using for years without knowing I was bipolar. He is a creative soul who you would enjoy spending time with -- until you don’t! I’ve managed to keep Hank in NYC and I hope Frank + Hank can continue to drive conversations around these issues.
All of my work has a mental health meaning and most often some dichotomy of light and dark. I am working in steel, stone, wood and concrete. All of my pieces are meant to be handled - I believe the sense of touch deepens your experience. My inspiration comes from my experiences in dealing with my mental health issues and the balance between nature and man-made materials. I hope you enjoy the work and appreciate your support.
Much love. - Frank
DESIRON
CEO + Creative Director - DESIRON
1997 I left my Wall Street job to design and build furniture. My humble beginnings were at the flea market on the Upper West Side. Fast forward, I grew my business to 50 employees, a showroom in SoHo, and ‘to the trade showrooms’ around the country. After 27 years I sold the business. Amen! So grateful for that amazing time in my life and wish the new owners continued success.
Press
Over 27 years we were fortunate to receive a great deal of press. We were featured in such magazines as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Vogue, New York Magazine, Wallpaper Magazine, and NY Times to name a few. My furniture was used in countless TV shows and movies. Most frequently in ‘Sex in the City’ and ‘Madmen’. I was a spokesperson for AMEX and Levis Slates (below shot by Richard Avedon). I designed numerous spaces, including Fashion Week for Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily WWD VIP lounge, The NY Contemporary Furniture Fair, and others. It was an excellent run, to say the least, and I feel blessed.
Collaborations
I fostered several collaborations in furniture, lighting and textiles with notable designers and architects such as David Rockwell, Jennifer Post, Benjamin Noreiga-Ortiz and Workshop APD. I look forward to doing the same in the art world.
