Works
Esmé Hofman
Amandine David
October 4, 2022
Daniël Maarleveld
October 4, 2022
MEET THE MAKER
I am an all-round wickerwork designer thanks to the 4-year vocational training I completed in 2001 in Lichtenfels (D). I was one of the few to be admitted to the renowned training program in Germany. Unlike the traditional Dutch weaver, who traditionally weaves mainly baskets and chairs, my German vocational training allows me to master artisanal weaving with wicker cane, weaving furniture, and of course also basketwork and weaving with whole willow wicker, chair mats and my specialization in fine shin work. As a braid designer, I am able to translate ideas and wishes of fellow designers into various braiding techniques in addition to my own designs. From 2002 to February 2016 I was associated with the National Braid Museum Noordwolde. In the museum I set up the Knowledge Center for Braids and I was a professional assistant to the curator Tellervo Barnhoorn. From 2013 I was, in addition coordinator of the Knowledge Center and coordinator of the braiding courses, also curator of the museum.
Project
Meshes by Amandine David and Esmé Hofman explores how parametric design and basket weaving can challenge each other. Through the collaboration of digitally generated guiding structures and the natural flexibility of fibres, the facilitation of big scale weaving and exploration of a new repertoire of shapes becomes possible. This hybrid technique stimulates a playful learning approach towards basket weaving and contributes as a research tool that can be applied to the fields of design, architecture, fashion, and more.
Value iAtelier
iAtelier was very beneficial to gain insight of different techniques and benefit from the cross breading dynamic that was created. The lectures showed how creative and critical, designers/makers/artisans can be towards digital technologies when integrating it in their practice. The dynamic of the group allows to discover different craft, to follow their hybridation and imagine the impact digital technologies can have on each of them.
