I can only imagine that, like me, your heart was warmed by the authentic process showcased in the microdocumentary from Made in Mimbre featured in yesterday’s post.  You will be delighted to know that the resulting product does not end with wicker. In fact, this collaborative team – working under the name The Andes House – work in design, architecture and art.

I simply adore their philosophy. Material and Identity are fundamental elements for them as they understand and create for projects and products. The Material is the starting point for them, considering its potential and essential characteristics as they develop their products. And Identity is the voice they bring to the process and the final product, with a deep respect for the manner in which the objects are created. Origins and cultural context are celebrated and revered while married with modern design and technology. Truly beautiful.

Knowing their process of course makes me all the more adoring of the product. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also just plain gorgeous. Below are photos of their Las Doce collection, a line of household products made from single, solid pieces of wood. Mapuche artisans work on the exterior face of the product using traditional carving techniques. The interiors are then finished using an industrial CNC machine. Traditional and modern manufacturing techniques are married to create a product that truly capitalizes on the strengths of each.

I love this creative team’s view on the world and their design process, and I hope to take some of their creative vision into my own process as I consider raw materials and the potential they hold for my own designs.

xo
s.