In celebration of local minimalism
- Anna Lena creates minimalist furniture using wood and woven elements
- The name of her studio pays tribute to the local women who have passed down their weaving skills for generations
- She works on her own furniture collections as well as on commissioned collections
Originally from Mainz in Germany, Anna Lena Kortmann studied interior architecture at the University of Applied Sciences, with further studies at Ecole Boulle in Paris and Swinburne University in Melbourne. Anna Lena spent over a decade in architectural design before discovering her passion for furniture making. In Mallorca, inspired by the natural environment, the local traditional of woven chairs and the Mallorcan cord techniques she learnt in a workshop, she began experimenting with patterns, geometries and colours. This is how she began to produce furniture that blurs the boundaries between tradition and minimalist contemporary design. This exploration led her to create her signature PUPUT stools and benches, simple yet striking wooden frames with woven seats. Based in Palma since 2016, Anna Lena creates artisanal pieces that celebrate the skills of local craftspeople and offer an ethical alternative to industrial mass production.
Interview
- What do you consider to be your main skill?
- I bring a contemporary approach to furniture making by combining a designer's mind and skilled hands with a perfectionist's eye. Besides collection pieces, I also work on custom pieces with architects or designers, thanks to my background in architectural design and an interest in exploring new ways of making.
- What is the relationship between your craft and your place of residence?
- My work is absolutely rooted in Mallorca because its essence lies in the local craft tradition. It would not exist without the local master artisans who have passed on their skills and knowledge from generation to generation, and finally to me. I continue this tradition, adding a personal and contemporary touch, producing locally and with as little impact on the environment as possible.
- How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?
- Studio jaia's furniture frames are minimal, precise and timeless. All weaving is done in-house, using recycled cotton cord sourced in Spain. The pieces I make appeal to a local audience who are reminded of a tradition they know well and often have an emotional connection to. A wider audience around the world is interested in the design of my pieces and the craftsmanship behind them.
- Could your craft be considered endangered?
- Absolutely. If you produce locally as an artisan, it is difficult to compete with larger, more industrial companies that operate overseas in sometimes questionable working conditions. To keep this craft alive, it is important to create an awareness that behind an artisan product there is experience, skill, tradition and a lot of time and dedication.
Anna Lena Kortmann is a rising star: she began her career in 2020 and she started teaching in 2022
Where
Anna Lena Kortmann
