Henny van Nistelrooy
We speak to Dutch designer Henny van Nistelrooy about his presentation of Craft & Industry at CCD – The Community @ Beijing Design Week 2012.
How are you involved with Beijing Design Week this year?
I will have an exhibition called Craft & Industry at C-Space in Caochangdi, which prompts viewers to think about how craft can help innovation in industry and vice versa. I will be showing industrially-made lightshades next to handmade furniture pieces. Both have woven textile at its core, but the light shades are made using sophisticated weaving machinery while the furniture is a result of meticulous handwork. My earlier experiences of learning to weave on a handloom have been crucial for these new products.
What prompted you to get involved in BJDW in the first place?
I read a lot about the previous edition, which prompted for me an interest in Chinese design (though I was based in London at the time). Now that I’m based in Beijing, it seems like the natural thing to do as a designer. It’s a great opportunity to show my new work to the public and acquire their feedback.
What are you looking to achieve?
As this is my first presentation in China, of course the main goal is to get a general idea of the potential of my work here. Further, I hope to meet people who can help bring my products to market or for who I can design new products. The lighting product for example is in a prototype stage. For this I really want to find a good company for production. The furniture pieces, however, are all for sale.
BJDW 2012 is loosely based on the theme of “craft”. What is “craft thinking” to you?
Craft thinking to me is exploring the potential of craft outside its traditional realm. I think the understanding you can get from using craft processes and materials can be used to improve how we produce things on a larger scale.
