Sabine Marcelis HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR NEW COLLECTION MIRAGE?
A new exploration of interactions of light, reflection and color inspired by the duality of the desert and vibrant city lights of Dubai. WHEN DID YOU BEGIN USING LAYERED GLASS AND MIRROR AS A MEDIUM, AND WHAT CHALLENGES OR OPPORTUNITIES DOES IT CREATE?
I first worked with layered glass for my graduation project in 2011 where I used it to create a table that could switch between being transparent and opaque. Ever since, I’ve been interested in exploring other effects that can be created with layering glass. Interactions of color and light are always at the core of these explorations. I developed a unique materiality with a glass factory, which we apply to many different projects ranging from art objects to architectural interventions. WHAT OTHER MEDIUMS AND MATERIALS DO YOU ENJOY WORKING WITH?
I have a newfound interest in motion, which is why I have been doing so many fountains lately! Water is just an amazing material that you can shape in many ways through curating the way it flows and moves. This opened a whole new way for me to design.
REMI MANSOUR
WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION WHEN CONCEIVING NEW COLLECTIONS?
Everywhere! By living life with my eyes wide open and absorbing all experiences like a sponge. All those experiences pop up as inspiration somewhere along the way in different projects and different times. I find that inspiration can’t be forced. I can’t sit down and ‘get inspired’. I draw on memories and events when designing.
HOW DOES YOUR HOME OF ROTTERDAM INFLUENCE YOUR WORK?
The attitude of Rotterdammers is very entrepreneurial. The city has gone through a lot of changes in the past decade, and it’s been exciting to be a part of that. We recently bought a studio space and will start renovations to make it our own this year. There is a buzz in the air, which gives me a lot of energy. Location-wise Rotterdam is ideal as it’s an industrial harbor. There are plenty of manufacturing facilities and factories nearby that I can partner with. We never need to go far to find the required expertise. DOES YOUR LOVE OF REFLECTION AND TRANSLUCENCY COME FROM LIVING BY WATER?
I grew up in New Zealand near the beach and spent a lot of time in the mountains snowboarding. I think, in general, I am fascinated by beautiful effects experienced in nature — the most beautiful of which, I find, always has something to do with water. Water in all its different states: as clouds, as liquid or as ice and snow. Just like glass, it can interact with light in magical ways. I try to capture that magic in my work.
