Designers We Love: Micah Donnoli

PHOTOS Dirk Steenkamp ART DIRECTION Derick Van Wyk WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo

Micah Donnoli appeared on VISI’s radar thanks to his striking combination of concrete, wood and oxidised copper in a sideboard. We caught up with the industrial design graduate, who is currently working towards completing his masters in interaction design and creating experimental pieces on commission.

What made you choose these materials?

I tried to capture how the beauty of nature comes from how things wear. No two rocks or trees are ever the same. When I start to feel my way around an idea, I find the materials that work best are the ones that lend themselves well to having a bit of their character revealed.

Is it a combination you’re planning to explore further?

There’s certainly room for improvement. I find the configuration of stone, wood and metal to be quite expressive. On a more practical design level, they provide me with a healthy amount of freedom to explore techniques and assemblages.

How did you get this effect with copper?

I advanced the natural oxidisation process of the metal. Copper tends to be shunned as the “dirty” metal, but I enjoy the way it changes when exposed to the elements. The fact that you can’t control the way the metal reacts to the treatment gives it a unique fingerprint, and that appeals to the part of me that enjoys looking at the intricate details found in nature.

What are you currently working on?

I have started to work on lighting pieces in pursuit of the collection I want to eventually launch.