“The composition depends on both the position and directions of these knots,” he explains. “As such, I cannot reproduce the exact same bench twice as there is never the same composition of knots —it is a dialogue between maker and material.”
The project was exhibited as part of Kazerne, a 2,000 sq m exhibition set in a former military barracks. Connected to an industrial warehouse, the space is a design destination in Eindhoven and is home to luxury hotel amenities, a design shop and two restaurants.
“Through the work of over 40 starting and established designers, Kazerne calls on us to use the potential of Between No-Longer and Not-Yet meaningfully and get inspired by optimistic new perspectives,” explains Annemoon Geurts, Founder & Creative Director of Kazerne.
“I see the work of Sho Ota being a small, personal search for how we as humans can connect in a different way with both nature and the objects that surround us,” she adds.“He invites us to respect the tree as an autonomous part of the ecosystem, more than just an ordinary material.”
Other pieces by the Japanese designer recreate the tangential section of the knot, which is the anatomical section beneath the surface. Sho Ota uses epoxy resin to create branch-like connections between various knots, seemingly inspired by the vascular network of trees.
“He explores the identity of the individual tree by carefully cutting each knot out of the flat surface by hand. In this way, he reveals the structure of the tree’s life and points out the beauty of nature. His objects are useful, poetic works of art to which we can personally relate.”