Ebonized Oak "SP03" Side Table by Robin Berrewaerts, Belgium 2020

This black side table is hand-sculpted with manual tools and made of reclaimed oak with an oil finish. The aim for this object is to explore the manipulation of wood without losing the truth of the material and to keep its full three-dimensionality of form. Each chisel stroke is applied by hand and helps to reinforce the distinct character of the original tree.

The “SP” series’ sole table model is made of reclaimed oak, ebonized and stained with Indian ink with an oil finish. Probably the most renowned ink, Indian ink is a permanent, opaque black that mixes well with other colours, adding a cool, dense tint. It is also used to ebonize wood and as this side table shows, the result still allows the wood grain to show through. As a result, the wood’s grain stands out even more, giving the design a striking appearance. In his own words: “The experience of a black surface is of a physical type, the absorption of light drawn away from the eye, the pupil opens and there is a sense of being pulled into the surface.” Berrewaerts’s work is situated between furniture and sculpture with a strong emphasis on materiality and craftsmanship, which is very evident in his “P60” and “SP” series, especially in this table. Yet, the design is not overworked, the organic lines possess an elemental quality, balancing the design between furniture and sculpture. The brutalist simplicity of this table and its material are what make it one-of-a-kind in all senses of the expression. It embraces the cracks, the natural shape and texture, while also transforming it in an unmistakeable way.

For Robin Berrewaerts wood is not just a material or decorative element, instead, it is much more about the transformation from a tree to an object. This process resembles a conversation, a journey, looking for the right way to use time and tools. This attitude results in unique, artistic objects that have grown into something that arouses curiosity.

Condition:
In new condition.

Dimensions:
15.75 in Ø x 16.93 in H
40 cm Ø x 43 cm H

About the designer:
Robin Berrewaerts was born in 1991, he works and lives in Brussels, Belgium. He graduated as an interior designer at the LUCA School of Arts in Brussels followed by a postgraduate degree in furniture design at the Thomas More School in Mechelen.

He shares his time between his own atelier and guiding students at the LUCA School of Arts where he is managing the wood and metal workshop. His work is situated between furniture and sculpture with a strong emphasis on materiality and craftsmanship. Ranging from private commissions to exhibitions, products and sculptures, creating objects with or without any typological or functional constraint.

Whether straight from a tree or industrially processed, wood manifests itself in a large variety. For Robin, this creates a huge interest in using it as a material. He sees working with wood as a physical interaction between material and artist. It comes with its own processes, techniques and peculiarities of language and vocabulary. The transformation from a tree to an object resembles a conversation, a journey, looking for the right way to use time and tools. The identity of the wood acts as a guideline from branch, stem or sawn lumber. Each type needs different approaches which results in unique objects that have grown into something that arouses curiosity.

Many of Robin’s works make use of black. The act of making the piece black, whether oxidizing, burning or painting finalizes the work he has put into the material. It marks the end of the journey. The experience of a black surface is of a physical type, the absorption of light drawn away from the eye, the pupil opens and there is a sense of being pulled into the surface. Experiencing form and details before recognizing the material so the wood itself is not becoming a decorative element.

Shipping:
This coffee table will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the item in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

IMPORTANT!
VAT normally applies and will be added to items when purchased by a European buyer or transported to a location within the EU.