Seeking the boundaries of materials

The Rotterdam-born David Derksen is known for his fascination with materials and the forces of nature. He seeks out the boundaries of what is technically feasible and plays with the scientific properties of elements. Instead of a product or design category, it is his choice of material that is often the starting point of his design process. This is why his collection includes items as diverse as jewellery (Moiré series), vases (Dewar Vase) and trays (Table Architecture). David can rightfully be called a versatile designer!

From student to teacher 

Derksen was educated at the Design Academy in Eindhoven. Following his graduation in 2009, he completed a Master of Science degree in Industrial Design at the Technical University in Delft. He then founded his own studio, called David Derksen Design. Under this banner he designs, manufactures and assembles products that he independently brings to the market under his own brand. Today, he is both a guest lecturer at the Willem de Kooning Academy and the initiator of a collective for creative workspaces. His studio created designs for brands including Fred Perry and Hugo Boss. His work can be found at Gallery VIVID in Rotterdam, but also at Matter and Bensimon. In 2015, he will present his work at the Salone del Mobile in Milan. His exhibition will be titled 'Dutch Satellite'. 

Playing with the forces of nature

David Derksen is intrigued by the properties and behavior of materials. He creates beautiful products by playing with the forces of nature. To illustrate: The collection of Holland.com includes the several Moiré necklaces and the Moiré brooch (circle). This jewellery reinforces the playful imagination. The combination of perforated plates brass and black coated metal creates a graceful moire effect, an distinctive projection of circles and dots with a hypnotic effect. Derksen uses modern materials for his designs. Shiny, tough metals such as brass and copper can be easily combined with sleek shapes and interesting lines. The designs are often the result of studious (scientific) research on the behaviour of materials or natural phenomena. The Transience mirror, for example, shows the different stages of the oxidation process. The hand-folded Brass Light takes up to a full day to produce! But this is what makes this Dutch designer product something special!