Simply a wonderful new publication featuring an old design. During the 1990's skilled Indonesian craftsmen helped me realize my low chair called sari. Asians love rattan, and modern rattan furniture remains highly popular in Japanese households. Amazing to see that after so many years this specific design 'stranded' in Tokyo was used in a Japanese publication. I love the serenity of this image.
Finally my Sozu faucets are being introduced to the market. Sozu is a type of water fountain used in Japanese gardens. Usually made of Bamboo, it consists of a hollow pivoting arm attached to its vertical pipe. Water pours from this tube or pipe into the arm. This concept inspired me to create a simple-looking faucet for Dutch manufacturer Zeromix. Four versions of Sozu will be launched starting from January 2011. Sozu is available in black, chrome or stainless steel.
As a designer you sometimes need to say goodbye to your old designs. Driade recently stopped producing the chairs I developed for them in 1999. During that period I worked a lot in Indonesia using bent metal pipe in combination with rattan. Both materials gave me the opportunity to gain structural strength in these designs. Amazing to see how timeless these pieces still are.
Under-Cover technology by Tulp.eu resulted in a new designproposal. 'Drop' is a fireplace hidden in a wall. It's cast made from soft stuccoed angles. What you don’t see: moulds made of heat resisting composite. Seamlessly built-in the wall, without comprimising the 'hearths’ plaster. Lightweight frames, easily applicable. A smooth top layer makes for easy painting in any possible colour. In this photograph, the 'Drop' almost bursts out of the wall. Indeed, a very sensual shape!
The aesthetic appeal of an object is often the reason we buy it. In fact, some products are driven by the aesthetic appeal alone. This is unfortunate because it leads to product development that is lacking in the other areas. It is only when all three -functionality, simplicity, and aesthetic appeal- are combined in harmony that we achieve quality industrial design. For me, aesthetic appeal is important, but only when functionality and simplicity exist as well. Even with its geometric shape my Vanity table for dutch brand Linteloo has a charming double function.
Our latest ceramic 'White Gold series' are three iconic designs by Royal Tichelaar Makkum, designed by our studio. It is a limited edition of 25 pieces per design. This edition is specially developed for gallery Priveekollektie, and are re-editions of designs we made in the late 90's. For me the fascinating shapes from nature are so interesting because of the beauty of line and image. The designs the MaMa vase, Atlantis bowl and Bloom vase are inspired by biological forms and cell divisions.
Production techniques from the past and the present are an ongoing inspiration to me. Product innovations often arise out of an understanding of materials and techniques. I believe this is where the strength of Dutch Design in general lies. Here in the Netherlands we are not just innovators when it comes to invention and creation, we also have a strong manufacturing industry. My six armed candelabra is a perfect example: made from aluminium, liquid casted in a pre-heated steel mould. Indestructible & timeless!
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