matali crasset exhibits wooden objects made with artisans in vent des forêts

matali crasset exhibits wooden objects made with artisans in vent des forêts
(above) matali crasset-designed stool manufactured by christophe rimlinger | photo by loup godé 

vent des forêts is a rural art center in meuse, france, located near the borders of luxembourg, belguim, and germany. this secluded natural setting is open to public participation, and also plays host to a private forestry operation. since 2009, designer matali crasset has been collaborating with this space and its local artisans on a number of creative projects, including series of small woodland huts, available to rent on airbnb. 

a wicker bread cover manufactured by georges heitzmann | photo by philppe acher

during new york design week 2016, crasset exhibits the latest results of her collaboration with vent des forêts. presented at wanteddesign brooklyn, ‘we trust in wood’ is the product of a close relationship with a group of local artisans, who each applied their own expertly cultivated style to crasset’s designs. a cabinet maker assembles a small oak stool; a basketmaker braids a wicker bread cover; a blacksmith polishes a ‘cuit-pommes’ (a small rotisserie device used for baking apples); and students from a specialized high school assemble candle holders. the collection highlights the richness of a very elemental exchange between designer and artisan though a series of simple and practical objects for everyday use.

matali crasset-designed spoons manufactured by jean bergeron | photo by loup godé 

‘we focused on creating a series of objects that would offer a simple but rich interaction with wood: eating on wooden plates, cooking in unusual containers’ crasset describes. ‘these were developed alongside local artisans who often ran one-man productions, such as wood sculptors, basket weavers, wood or metal turners, wrought iron makers, and the carmelite nuns of verdun. obsiously, aside from making these objects, this project was also about spotlighting men and women in a particular field, with certain methods and skills, and hopefully leading them on to other adventures and projects.’

woooden cutlery has been crafted by local artisans | photo by loup godé 

the handle of the spoon is attached to the bowl by a wooden ‘V’ | photo by loup godé 

set of bowls manufactured by philippe huet | photo by loup godé 

cutting board set manufactured by philippe huet | photo by loup godé 

a small rotisserie device used for baking apples manufactured by jean louis hurlin | photo by loup godé 

matali crasset-designed quilt, manufactured by soeur laure | photo by loup godé 

installation presented at wanteddesign brooklyn during new york design week 2016

the exhibition in new york highlighted the new collection of wooden objects  

hanging wicker baskets form part of the presentation of wooden goods
image © designboom

bread baskets are placed atop wooden stools 
image © designboom

the exhibition features objects made in collaboration with artisans in france 

portriat of matali crasset at wanteddesign brooklyn 
image © designboom

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