My products are not designed for one person or for one interpretation, they are made for everybody, to open up the mind and the senses. And although I can find it a bit scary when people using my creations "you're naked/tested at that time" it is a thrill too to watch and to fantasize about the many ways we can make use of.
How would you define your design: slow or fast? Do you think that slowness could be a value for you as a designer?
I need my time to come to the best result.
In the recent copper collection you have mixed old and new techniques. How much does experimentation and research in new materials count in your work?
The choice of material doesn't matter, the way I use it and if I have any worthwhile ideas for it does.
In the Urushi series you are using a very old laquering Japanese technique. Why did you choose it? Does history and tradition play an important role in your projects?
At first I was just overwhelmed by its beauty, when I started to work with it I slowly became familiar of its history, culture and many ways of using it, then automatically it becomes part of the design process.
I have read that your "approach can best be described as designing from the inside out". Could you explain us what did you mean with that?
That it starts with a feeling.
What are your thoughts about limited edition design? Is limited edition (or one-off pieces) a good way to experiment and a good way to innovate? Or is it a different way to make art?
I like indeed the aspect of freedom you have with a limited edition, room to experiment and to introduce new definitions of use and comfort.
And what are your thoughts about do-it-yourself design? How much important is the contribute that common people can add to a project?
I believe a creator should always take full responsibility of its creation.
What are your solutions towards a sustainable way of living and designing objects? Do you think that working with existing objects could offer a solution?
To optimize the relation between men and object.
To implement a kind of self-awareness in the objects.
They should provoke and treasure themselves and the user, for ages…
Any upcoming project we should be talking about?
Well, many... I'm busy to arrange a couple of products for a new company called Petite Friture, small, makeable, affordable products.
I'm looking forward to start with porcelain factory/specialist Sevres in France.
Slowly, but regular, I'm working on the completion of my second glass-line, called "on Feet", the wine glass is already in production and in the collection of Thomas Eyck. They're made out of one piece and exist of feet, leg and container, every glass will have its own language but stays within the family. There is the cutlery (shown on my website, prototype) in technical ceramics, which we're working on.
And on this moment I'm working on several wooden furniture pieces which I keep for now close to myself and it's my aim to present them in Milano, then we'll see what's going to happen.
