This episode is a conversation with Dutch based designer Billie van Katwijk of Studio Billie. Her interdisciplinary practice as a designer is one that has taken an unconventional path and consideration of everyday materials. She considers resources, processes and design outcomes carefully through a thoughtful process of examination that both physically and philosophically highlights the emphasis on nature and life cycles, transforming our understanding of materials, in particular to how we perceive and experience beauty - in all its stages and forms.
Her work shines a light upon materials and concepts that are often considered taboo or perhaps would make some people, uncomfortable due to the subject matter. But her practice as a designer brings forth a truth that addresses contraversial issues and yet on that same token it invites an opportunity to reflect upon what we value and where there are big gaps in our understanding of valuable resources.
Our discussion focuses on one of her material concepts, Ventri and how she came to develop it. This project transforms animal food waste, specifically cow stomachs discarded by the animal industry, into an alternative material and leather resource. She developed a proprietary tanning process in order to make this into a functional material and utilizes craft applications to construct this material into bags and accessories. We address issues of the taboo in relation to her discovery and how deeply invested she is in utilising this resource to produce a material and design outcomes to create awareness and to inspire conversation that educates.
For more information on our guest:
As a graduate of Design Academy Eindhoven Billie van Katwijk has developed a process for turning cow stomachs into a material - a leather - that can be used to make bags and accessories. Her project Ventri has captured the attention of the design world after she discovered that cows stomachs are considered a waste material.
Billie van Katwijk is fascinated by nature; alive and dead, in all its purity and imperfections. As a result of her love for animals and nature, she tries to highlight the beauty she sees in them. Often she does this by (re)using natural forms, colours and materials.
Van Katwijk believes in showing contradictions and taboos, but avoids judging them. That’s why her approach is unconventional, discussing existing rules, habits and dogmas and leaves the beaten track, to create something new.
“I want to add value by making unconventional choices, getting people to think and inspire. My concepts are completed by the user, with his or her own thoughts.”
Websites: www.billievankatwijk.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiobillievankatwijk/IG: https://www.instagram.com/studiobillievankatwijk/
#TMR
The Material Revolution
http://thematerialrevolution.com
contact us: info@materialrevolution.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.material.revolution/
The podcast is independently developed and produced. It is through your support that will help us continue to create meaningful and impactful content.
Patreon page to make pledge: https://www.patreon.com/thematerialrevolution
Music by: Interior Design https://interiordesignmusic.bandcamp.com
This episode is a conversation with Dutch based designer Billie van Katwijk of Studio Billie. Her interdisciplinary practice as a designer is one that has taken an unconventional path and consideration of everyday materials. She considers resources, processes and design outcomes carefully through a thoughtful process of examination that both physically and philosophically highlights the emphasis on nature and life cycles, transforming our understanding of materials, in particular to how we perceive and experience beauty - in all its stages and forms.
Her work shines a light upon materials and concepts that are often considered taboo or perhaps would make some people, uncomfortable due to the subject matter. But her practice as a designer brings forth a truth that addresses contraversial issues and yet on that same token it invites an opportunity to reflect upon what we value and where there are big gaps in our understanding of valuable resources.
Our discussion focuses on one of her material concepts, Ventri and how she came to develop it. This project transforms animal food waste, specifically cow stomachs discarded by the animal industry, into an alternative material and leather resource. She developed a proprietary tanning process in order to make this into a functional material and utilizes craft applications to construct this material into bags and accessories. We address issues of the taboo in relation to her discovery and how deeply invested she is in utilising this resource to produce a material and design outcomes to create awareness and to inspire conversation that educates.
For more information on our guest:
As a graduate of Design Academy Eindhoven Billie van Katwijk has developed a process for turning cow stomachs into a material - a leather - that can be used to make bags and accessories. Her project Ventri has captured the attention of the design world after she discovered that cows stomachs are considered a waste material.
Billie van Katwijk is fascinated by nature; alive and dead, in all its purity and imperfections. As a result of her love for animals and nature, she tries to highlight the beauty she sees in them. Often she does this by (re)using natural forms, colours and materials.
Van Katwijk believes in showing contradictions and taboos, but avoids judging them. That’s why her approach is unconventional, discussing existing rules, habits and dogmas and leaves the beaten track, to create something new.
“I want to add value by making unconventional choices, getting people to think and inspire. My concepts are completed by the user, with his or her own thoughts.”
Websites: www.billievankatwijk.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiobillievankatwijk/IG: https://www.instagram.com/studiobillievankatwijk/
#TMR
The Material Revolution
http://thematerialrevolution.com
contact us: info@materialrevolution.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.material.revolution/
The podcast is independently developed and produced. It is through your support that will help us continue to create meaningful and impactful content.
Patreon page to make pledge: https://www.patreon.com/thematerialrevolution
Music by: Interior Design https://interiordesignmusic.bandcamp.com