Meet the Makers

Carolyn Cartwright, the founder of Cartwright NY, a bespoke blown glass lighting manufacturer, shares her remarkable journey from a career in the movie industry to crafting exquisite lighting fixtures that are nothing short of art. She delves into her background, inspiration, and the challenges and joys of being a maker in Brooklyn.

Carolyn’s story begins in 1983 when she arrived in New York City to pursue a graduate degree in film at NYU. Her passion for film led her to work in the movie industry, where she steadily climbed the ladder to become a set decorator. Her resume includes collaborations with legendary directors like Spike Lee, Sidney Lumet, the Coen Brothers, and Wes Anderson, to name a few.

Simultaneously, Carolyn nurtured her budding interest in interior design, eventually leading to the birth of her own interior design business. It was during her years in film that she discovered a gap in the industry—the need for exquisite draperies and lighting. These missing pieces ignited her curiosity about lighting design and set her on a unique path.

Carolyn’s journey took a transformative turn when she traveled to Venice and, eventually, Murano, an island in Italy known for its historic glass-making tradition. In the 1400s, the king of Venice exiled glassmakers to Murano to prevent them from accidentally burning down the city. For Carolyn, Murano felt like a magical kingdom, where her passion for decoration, design, and lighting converged.

She describes it as an “Alice Through the Looking Glass” moment, as if she had found her true home. Although language was initially a barrier, her experience in Murano planted the seeds of her future endeavor. Around 2010, Carolyn made a pivotal decision to immerse herself in the world of glassmaking. She committed to learning every facet of the craft and, ultimately, launching her own company. In 2014, after a fulfilling 25-year career in the movie industry, she retired. Carolyn recognized that her passion for creating exceptional lighting was her true calling.

At Cartwright NY, craftsmanship reigns supreme. “I eat, sleep and breathe this business,” says Carolyn. “Yes, it’s my baby.” Her dedication to detail and quality is evident in every creation. Carolyn mentions her experimentation with materials, like incorporating bubbles and gold into designs, which can be a delicate balancing act. And sometimes the colors and materials turn out as expected, and other times they don’t. "It’s chemistry and it’s not always compatible. It’s a lot of trial and error. Hence, you see the results,” Carolyn says while motioning to numerous glass pieces in her studio space at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, showcasing her desire to push the boundaries of lighting design.

Cartwright NY has not only carved out its place in the world of bespoke lighting but also had a positive impact on the local community. Carolyn’s collaboration with her engineer has helped him start his own business, supporting his transition from working for someone else to being an independent entrepreneur. "I think that’s super impressive,” says Carolyn. “We have the ability to impact somebody else’s life at that kind of scale that now he has his own business.” This symbiotic relationship demonstrates how small businesses can elevate each other in the tight-knit ecosystem of makers in New York City.

Looking ahead, Carolyn envisions a more spacious and organized studio, with the ability to hire full-time employees to expand their production capabilities. She hopes to see Cartwright NY in galleries in various cities across the country, further spreading the brand’s unique blend of art and design.

To address the difficulties by makers in New York City, including high rents and limited space, Carolyn proposes the establishment of additional forums and exhibition spaces specifically tailored for makers and manufacturers, which would significantly enhance the community’s well-being. These spaces could foster collaboration and networking, contributing to the growth of the maker ecosystem. Being based in New York is incredibly valuable, Carolyn points out—from being able to pop over to the Met for inspiration to being able to network and support other local makers. “It’s like this cross-pollination that just doesn’t happen in other places. You can’t put a price on that.”