Erik Fenner identifies his work with the maker movement, the idea of learning a little bit about many different crafts and processes. His approach to creating is a blend of manufacturing with inspiration from traditional fine art. He uses methods like injection molding, machining, and welding. Erik has always been a do-it-yourself person, someone who prefers figuring out how to fix or make something before hiring someone else to do it.

His creative journey began in high school, where he got involved in theater through set and prop design. This sparked his interest in building, experimenting, and problem-solving. Currently, he focuses on cycling and the culture around it. Through his company, Parsec Objects, he designs and produces bike accessories that combine function and artistry. They are not just useful add-ons to your bike but special pieces that express individuality and craft.

Erik has been part of Contact for about a month, but in that short time he has already connected with many people. What stands out most to him is how collaborative the environment is. People are open, curious, and eager to share ideas. He loves learning about others’ projects and often finds himself wanting to jump in and see how things work.

Right now, he is working on a couple projects, including silicone cable beads and custom stem caps featuring glass micro-mosaics. The stem caps are a mix of bike piece and jewelry, becoming something that is functional but also aesthetic.

His inspiration often comes from historical craftsmanship. He is drawn to old methods of construction and the skill that went into making beautiful, lasting objects, which can be rare to find today. By studying these artifacts, he hopes to revive some of that lost artistry in modern contexts.

One project that stands out for him is a line of custom dry bags printed with designs from different artists. This collaboration became the foundation of his design practice and the beginning of Parsec Objects. Many of the artists had never seen their illustrations turned into tangible, functional products before, and watching their reactions was incredibly rewarding. It was also Erik’s first experience designing a product that was manufactured overseas. This process taught him a lot about production, collaboration, and the balance between creativity and craft.

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