Meet Julie Morringello | Lighting Designer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Morringello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It never felt like a choice. I knew I had to do something creative, whatever that might be. The choice part involved deciding on which area to focus. In school I was torn between sculpture and industrial design. I ultimately decided to study design and take as many fine arts classes as I could. I discovered that the “in-between” places are where I most like to be. As a student that was challenging, but luckily these days the boundaries are much more blurred.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create contemporary accent lighting for homes and businesses under the studio name Modernmaine. I founded Modernmaine out of the desire to answer the question: What would it look like if an independent designer set up shop on an island in rural Maine? The answer is reflected in every facet of what I do – from the studio name right down to the materials and techniques I use. My work combines digital technology with traditional craftsmanship. Most of the fixtures are easily customizeable. Color and pattern can be added with either digital printing or hand dying. I love working with customers and interior designers to create the perfect light for their projects.

Yes, doing what I do on an island, even one with a bridge, poses challenges. Shipping is expensive, and it can be difficult, if not impossible, to find local small parts fabricators or raw materials vendors. But those obstacles are also what make things interesting, and they challenge me to work with what the area has to offer. Also, like Colorado, Maine is place of great natural beauty. That, and the strong sense of community, make for a great quality of life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d start the day by having a cup of locally roasted 44 North coffee in my backyard. Running a small business can keep you very busy, and when we were stuck at home during covid I had time to design and plant my first perennial garden from scratch. My favorite way to start the day is to watch the bees hover on the flowers, smell the sea breeze, and listen to the fog horn from the Mark Island Light.

If the day is nice we might go kayaking. We’d stuff our gear into a few bags and walk downtown, maybe stopping into the 44 North cafe for a Milkweed & Monarch pastry to go. We store two kayaks at the Isle au Haut boat company which is right on the water in Stonington and makes for an easy launch. If we’re lucky we’ll see seals. For dinner we’d head downtown again to local restaurant Fin & Fern, which specializes in seafood and fresh handmade pasta.

Other days might involve hiking on one of the many island trails maintained by Island Heritage Trust. Dinner could be wood fired pizza at Tinderhearth in the nearby town of Brooksville. It’s also fun to take guests to the local coop to buy lobsters right off the boat and cook them up at home. Maybe there will be a movie or live entertainment at the Stonington Opera House. Or maybe we’ll bring a few beers to Sand Beach and watch the sunset.

And finally, if we don’t mind braving the summer crowds, Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is an incredible place to spend the day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Rosanne Somerson – friend, educator and President Emerita of the Rhode island School of Design. She was one of the first women to break into the field of studio furniture and woodworking and she has worked tirelessly to nurture and create opportunities for students. She is also a gifted writer and speaker. She was and continues to be an inspiring artist, mother, and all around human being. I can’t wait to see what project she takes on next.

Website: https://www.modernmaine.com/

Instagram: @modernmaine

Facebook: Modernmaine

Image Credits
MM – Light Drop – photo credit Michael Wilson MM – Rocca table light – photo credit Heidi Kirn