Copy Nature  is an exhibition of 11 designers’ work exploring reproduction at the metal casting workshop The Beeldenstorm. The designers, invited by project initiator Max Lipsey, were provided with space and expertise by The Beeldenstorm to come experiment in the workshop.

The project theme is ‘Copy Nature: Not just about copying nature, but also the nature of copies’.

Casting is always a reproduction of existing forms, but the process doesn’t have to be a static one. Through their experiments, the designers tangle with the issue of reproduction itself. Are there ways to reproduce which go beyond merely copying? Which surprise, add value to, or change the meaning of the original?

During the workshop, the designers directly engaged the possibilities of the traditional techniques of lost-wax and sand casting. An interesting dialogue arose between the designers and the craftsmen guiding the process. Experiments, both successful and failed, surprised both parties. Julien Carretero developed a technique for casting aluminum into textile molds. Tristan Cochrane, a way to build objects out of fish. The results are equally interesting as objects as for how they were made.

The first round of results were exhibited at the Beeldenstorm workshop during Dutch Design Week 2009 in Eindhoven. The second round wis being shown at the Eindhoven Gallery ‘De Krabbedans’ from February 12-April 11. When it journeys to Milan for the Fair

Ventura Lambrate zone

The Beeldenstorm

Kunstenaarswerkplaats Beeldenstorm is a foundry where bronze and other metals can be cast. The space is especially dedicated to artists and designers to provide a place for exploration and experimentation, but also a workshop fully capable of final production, casting, and finishing. Beeldenstorm is located on the TU/e campus in Eindhoven.

Participants: Sayaka Yamamoto (JP), Tristan Cochrane (UK), Bruno Carvalho (PT), Raw Color (NL), Boaz Cohen (ISR), Ninna Margret Thorarinsdottir (ICE), Charlotte Dumoncel d’Argence (FR), Julien Carretero (FR), Seton Beggs (UK), Tiago Sâ da Costa (PT), Max Lipsey (US)