In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about natural materials, organic food, ecology, and in general it seems that everything is returning to nature. Is there any particular reason for this?
We live in a hyperactive age where everything is connected to consumerism. Material things mean a lot to us, and the industry is becoming oversaturated because of it. When I was studying in Finland, my mentor invited me to his home for dinner. There I saw an old swing that had been passed down from generation to generation, thus preserving its story. Not new and cheap, but old furniture with a soul, that's what people are interested in. In my work, I myself return to stories and forgotten values.
Can people appreciate something as simple and everyday as wood?
Of course, this is written in our genes. At exhibitions, I noticed people constantly touching and caressing the furniture. Wood is pleasant, warm and has a special aroma that reminds us of beautiful things. I always remember Bloke and my grandfather, who kept sawing something.
Where does this love come from for you?
As I said before, this is a purely biological thing that we all possess, except perhaps those who live in big cities and do not encounter authentic nature. As a designer, the most important thing for me is that I work independently, that I am my own boss and that I work according to my own principles.
It is somewhat unusual for a graphic designer to be drawn into "industrial" design. How did this transition happen?
It was a perfect set of coincidences. Before that, I did various part-time jobs in my profession, then 15 years ago a friend invited me to the Unicorn pilot project, which was intended for young creators to become independent. The project fell apart, but I felt that this work was written on my skin. I had a lot of ideas and first I tackled the most difficult product - the chair. Satisfied with the outcome, I continued.
The products of Studio Drevo are stamped with the Japanese alphabet - the symbol for a tree. What's the story behind it?
I was taking a Japanese class and immediately saw this sign. Of course, there is also the connection with wood. The Japanese are really good craftsmen, they spend a lot of time with the product and therefore imbue it with a special energy. But they are also incredible perfectionists, their products border on science fiction, but are still extremely functional.
Do you work with wood in the classic way or are there any new guidelines in this area? How much manual labor is there, actually?
Wood is machined when it goes through the sawing and drying process. Then comes the manual part: filing, planing, shaping. Today, these are forgotten techniques, just like mending umbrellas, zippers or shoes.
How much room for maneuver does this material allow you?
Space is unlimited, I could design space shuttle, a wooden car or a bathroom, but the question is whether it will still be functional in 30 years. In Finland, for example, they really don't set any limits, they start making just about anything. It was there that I experimented the most and made experiments in the direction of what else I could do. Wood is extremely flexible, so the only limit is creativity.
Is your home a unique nest or do we also find some items from Ikea in it?
There are many of my own pieces, I worked on the kitchen in my last breaths while the children were on the way. Great emphasis is also placed on the dining table, which is the meeting place of the family, and on the tea table, where we socialize daily. The space is not oversaturated with my pieces. It is necessary to make some selection so that you can then appreciate these points.
The dining table is the central piece of furniture in every home. What role does the interior play for you when hunger strikes? Where does the interior inspire you the most?
A professional mistake of a graphic designer is to always look at how everything is designed. Sushimama has a pleasant atmosphere. As a gourmet who likes good food, I often visit Jablane pri Skaručna.
