COMPILED BY Phendu Kuta PHOTOS Margriet Vollgraff, Hayden Phipps/Southern Guild (Felt(veld) Landscape 1)
Franschhoek-based multidisciplinary artist Christine Goosen is making a name for herself thanks to considered, contemporary furniture design.
Christine Goosen, the founder of sustainable furniture-design business, Jacobs Collection – an architecturally inspired brand that celebrates functionality, beautiful simplicity and contemporary design. Jacobs Collection’s latest offering, Felt(veld)scape I, is an artwork that investigates the desire to return to the utopia of childhood, and explores the longing to reconnect with one’s landscape and heritage. It was first showcased at Investec Cape Town Art Fair in 2022, and then as part of Southern Guild gallery’s “Spring Awakening” exhibition. Felt(veld)scape I was created by felting Merino sheep wool, with the fibres matted by hand to create the undulating forms of the design.
* My typical day consists of a lot of multitasking. There are many facets of the business that need my full attention, and it’s the details that count. Whether it’s the design phase or working with clients or suppliers, I try to prioritise and focus on the details while taking a hands-on approach.
* Well-designed furniture needs to fulfil its purpose in a space, and be aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with its environment. Contrasting textures and materials within a design will never get old. I think we can expect to see more of this. At the Jacobs Collection, we have always valued texture in design, rather than colour. Using a material’s natural texture to enhance design is a pillar of the Jacobs Collection.
* Japan is my favourite design destination. The Japanese approach everything – including design – with harmony in mind. From joinery to Zen gardens, they consider all lines and forms to create a harmonious flow.
* My Felt(veld)scape I piece is a clear favourite. It was by far the most challenging work I’ve made to date – and the most rewarding.
* Design should not visually overwhelm the viewer or the consumer. Rather, it should start a conversation. I think this is most relevant to my wool series, where the wool itself becomes the focus and motivation behind the design.
* People underestimate the power of paint. There is an endless array of paint colours, textures and techniques to choose from.
* Malian designer Cheick Diallo’s ability to use age-old crafting techniques to make contemporary functional art is inspiring. He is able to elevate what most people would consider craft into spectacular furniture pieces.
* I spend most of my time in my lounge. It is filled with contrasting textures and colours, as well as my favourite artworks, and it also includes an indoor braai. I never knew I could love a braai this much!
* I find it difficult to separate aesthetics and functionality when approaching the pieces I create. The two are equally important in creating a successful design.
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