Kiki van Eijk (1978) a Dutch designer studied at the Eindhoven Design Academy. She designs carpets, lamps, ceramics and glassware that find a global market. Her work is both 2d and 3d, conceptual, esthetic, functional and often narrative. Recently, we contacted her and had an email interview, which goes as follows:
1. How did you first become interested in design?
Kiki: I was first not specific interested in becoming a designer, but I knew I had to do something creative. As a child I thought I would become an artist. Then I got to know about design academy, went to visit it for info and it was clear right away that this suited me best.
2. When did you decide to pursue design as a career and how did you go about it?
Kiki: While studying at the DAE I found out I wanted to have my own business as a designer by seeing designers that were already in the field and doing interesting projects and by realizing I needed this freedom. Also I didn’t know any company that I found interesting to work full time to I decided to have my own business. After my graduation in 2000 I started working on some projects for different institutions and since 2003 I’m working on my own collection which I present in Milan yearly.
3. Kiki, you design carpets, lamps, ceramics, glassware, the list seems to be endless, now here, I’d like to ask, from where do you derive your source of inspiration?
Kiki: Most of the times it comes from something unexpected and very small. Almost hidden objects in the back of a drawer like the buttons of grandma, some needlework tools etc. These are things I immediately place in a new, bigger scale context and where I derive my designs from. The designs are like an ode to these forgotten, but beautiful objects.
4. How are you able to install ‘traditional techniques’ into the ‘contemporary vogue’?
Kiki: By working with a strong personal touch and only working on what fascinates me; I’m a child of my time, so what I design fits in this period of time.
5. Can you describe an evolution in your work?
Kiki: It has become more functional, defined, refined, various and personal troughout the years. But it also has more autonomous qualities at the same time.
6. Kiki, which of your projects has given you immense satisfaction?
Kiki: If the products have Personality, soul & love for beauty in concept and form are engredients to enrich our world with unexpected, surprising designs. I want to revalue ‘ordinary’ things
I hope all my projects do…
7. Any contemporaries in your field whom you want to out do?
Kiki: Nobody, it’s not a competition!
8. Amongst your work, Kiki, what has been your all time favorite?
Kiki: Can’t choose one, so…….Kiki carpet, soft clock & cabinet, quilt chair (my latest chair).
9. Any suggestions, you’d like to give to the budding designers?
Kiki: Just do your own thing and any you like at lot. Don’t look at others, go beyond your own fascinations!
10. Finally, we would like to have your thoughts on the Instablogs News Network and all its related sites. Which one is your favorite?
Kiki: It’s great to have this variety of interesting and fun items!
This is my favorite:
Learn the art of packing lunch with love from Japanese women
Now, its time for a rapid fire round,
1. Describe yourself in one word?
Kiki: A curious dreamer who’s down to earth.
2. What is the best moment of the day?
Kiki: Evening/ having dinner.
3. Who would you like to design something for?
Kiki: The queen of England!
4. How would you label/categorize your work?
Kiki: Personal, autonomous and contemporary.
5. Do you have a signature style? If yes, what are the hallmarks of your style?
Kiki: No I think it’s more in the concept, though you can see I like to work with materials and layers in it.
6. What’s next?
Kiki: An installation at design Miami/ basel in Basel in june!
Before signing off, we’d like to thank Kiki, for this wonderful interview and wish her luck for all her future endeavors.