Atelier FIG
+ Short
Founded by the Dutch designers Gijs Wouters and Ruben Hoogvliet who joined forces out of their love for materials, crafts, and nature. They specialize in creating unique designs through unconventional processes and innovative techniques. Capturing the tactility and transformation of the creative process in their work. The Gravity collection, which showcases the liquid state of porcelain, is a testament to their mastery of a groundbreaking dip-hanging technique that pushes the boundaries of what is possible with clay. A continuous back and forth between the natural force and their creative interventions, a fusion of the unexpected and the controllable.
+ Expanded
This porcelain collection is the result of an experimental research into new ways of making clay sculptures. The research resulted in a collection of interior objects that combine refined craftsmanship and the fundamental force of gravity. The work of Atelier FIG. uncovers new ideas about contemporary crafts. Driven by experiment, their project the Gravity Collection started with rethinking ceramic crafts. Fascinated by liquid clay, they discovered techniques that would allow them to work more spontaneously without the interference of rigid plaster moulds. During this process they developed an alternative method into an innovative craft. Where they dip moist absorbing structures into liquid clay whereafter they are hang-dried. These structures then completely deform under the weight of the added clay. In this process, gravity always has the final say. This makes the process a continuous back and forth between the natural force and their creative interventions, a fusion of the unexpected and the controllable. They refer to the object as nothing more than a "long event". Instead of forcing a shape into the material, they conduct a dialogue with materials and the physical forces to which these materials are subjecte