Long before the White Stripes shook the music world with "Seven Nation Army,"
Jack White was remaking furniture in Detroit.
From the age of 15, the band's singer and guitarist began honing his upholstery skills
and exploring hardware store art, both deeply rooted in the American Motor City's industrial history and urban decay.
Though White went on to travel the world with the Stripes
and several other bands, his tools were never far out of reach.
The multidisciplinary artist continued to make furniture, sculptures,
and interactive works out of his workshops in Detroit and Tennessee for friends and family.
Yet, despite decades in the spotlight, White's prodigious portfolio has never been displayed in a gallery.
These words may disappear.
His first major exhibition at Newport Street Gallery in London connects craftsmanship, industrial materials,
and the visual language of the American Midwest, exploring the intersection of art, design, and music production.
For the big interview, I joined Jack White at the Newport Street Gallery for a tour of the exhibit
and to hear more about his process, why mistakes are important,
and how he wants viewers to have a visceral engagement with his work.
Up, I do want to talk to you about the space that we're in.
It is gigantic, it is enormous.
Has it encouraged you?
Has it moved you to scale up?
Yes, some of your work.