Not only we celebrated Europe Day but European Elections are rapidly approaching on the 6th to 9th of June ! On that day, citizens from all over the European Union will converge at the polls to make their voice count exercing their right to carry their aspirations to shape the future of our continent.
What a great occasion to remind us our diverse but interconnected roots all over the European continent, where we belong and in what kind of society we wish to evolve. We believe our craftspeople and restorers from all over Europe have a lot to teach us with regards to our identity and values.
Let them inspire you through this special European newsletter edition. Each craftsperson preserves unique skills contributing to a broad shared tapestry of culture. So … let’s celebrate unity in diversity!
At “Lacquer Decor” studio based in Arnhem in the Netherlands, Sergej Kirilov, lacquerware maker and cabinet maker uses the fascinating traditional Japanese lacquer technique of Urushi to decorate customized panels and furniture. Urushi is the sap of the urushi (or lacquer) tree, it has useful properties …
At “Bottega Artigiana Cazzato,” Adolfo Cazzato, basket maker, continues a family tradition of crafting “fiscoli” as of baskets. In his workshop, he preserves traditional techniques while innovating with materials similar to the original ones, such as raffia and coconut fibers.
Nicolas Contreras, based in France converted to ceramics in 2010. Since then he is passionate about different clay working techniques. He creates various tableware pieces using stoneware and high-temperature glazes.
Olivier Cabay is a joiner and finish carpenter based in Belgium. He works at La Menuiserie Cabay created in 1995 where he restores or replicates antique woodwork, as window frames and doors while also offering interior design services and custom furniture creation.
Catarina Tudella’s brand “Seda & Companhia” blends the tradition of Castelo Branco Embroidery with contemporary design in hand-embroidered clothing, bags, and accessories. Linen is the base of each piece, on which the silk embroidery is executed.
Ulrike Insensee is a handwaver and spinner based in Hamburg, Germany. She interprets the traditional way of weaving to create the special light and airy scarves who appear as captured threads reminding paintings of Jackson Pollock.
Based in Sweden, Vera Z. Gutman is inspired by old scandinavian traditions of nunofelting works primarily with reused/redeployed fabric. She dyes the textiles either with biodegradable acid-dyes or with plants from her own garden and surroundings …
Based in Mijas, Málaga in Spain, Cristobal Angulo belongs to a family with a tradition in metal craftmanship. He works on numerous goldsmithing projects and provides chasing courses in his workshop to promote his knowhow.
Not in EU but ...
so close to us !
Christiane Murner‘s workshop “L’Antre-Peaux” is based in Switzerland. As leather worker, she creates diverse handbags collections through haute couture craftsmanship. She has revived the CFC leatherworker training program in order to pass on her leatherworking knowhow.
Olga Turetska, based in Lviv, Ukraine is the founder of the Olga Glass brand. As glass artist, she is in constant dialogue with glass, a material that teaches her resilience to failures, patience and which provides her inexhaustible experiments …
Based in the United Kingdom, Martin Ruzicka, stovemason, designs and builds Finnish tile stoves. His passion for masonry heater building enables him to ally masonry work, strong environmental consciousness and lifelong interest in alternative heating technologies …
