In the 'Duality of Matter' inaugural collection of stools and objects, Natasza and Tomás weave a tapestry of inspirations, breathing life into THER.
Their partnership, a fusion of a ceramist's touch and a woodmaker's craft, mirrors a duality of worlds. These worlds, though sprung from the same well of sensitivity, diverge, crafting forms that are stark in their contrast yet harmonious in their essence. This juxtaposition not only showcases their vibrant design spectrum but also underscores their nuanced self-expression as designers.
Their guiding mantra, 'We are what we explore,' reflects a profound truth about THER: it is an odyssey in form, an unending quest. This journey, paved with trials and errors, is a testament to their ethos of relentless exploration and experimentation. In the crucible of creativity, Natasza and Tomás forge their identity, shaping them into conscious and inventive beings.
The young duo's material choices speak volumes of their deliberate and thoughtful approach. The result is not just an object but a pursuit of an optimum. Tomás, with a masterful grasp of geometry, sometimes disrupts it deliberately. He respects the wood's natural edges where possible, occasionally polishing them to enhance their inherent beauty. His reverence for wood and the environment is evident in his use of natural oils and waxes and sometimes a specialized technique in wood conservation involving controlled burning called Yakisugi, a traditional Japanese method of charring the surface of the wood without combusting the whole piece.
Meanwhile, Natasza's organic creations - bowls, and stools - strive to complete the THER collection in harmony with nature. Her hands mold forms that breathe organic life into their world. The unglazed, textured surfaces of her creations add a layer of raw authenticity to the ensemble.
THER is thus a ‘dance’ of two contrasting yet complementary talents. Each working with a distinct material, they manage to converge into a cohesive and unified whole. The collection is marked by a gentle softness of forms and a thoughtful, responsible approach to creation. This is particularly evident in the specific choices of wood (chestnut and acacia) as well as clay from the Iberian Peninsula. The collection was captured in the interiors of newly opened studios in Montoya, Barcelona, adding a much-desired story layer to the presentation.
