Lukas Wegwerth

Multimedia sculptor

Celebrating the intrinsic properties of materials

Lukas is a designer and trained carpenter
He allows the material to guide the final form
His approach results in designs that push boundaries

Lukas Wegwerth is a designer and trained carpenter with a profound respect for traditional craftsmanship and the natural qualities of materials. As Lukas pursued a degree in product design at the University of the Arts in Berlin, he sought to break free from conventional methods and explore new creative possibilities. Breaking his favourite coffee cup one day led Lukas to explore kintsugi, which in turn inspired his Crystallization series, in which broken clay vessels develop crystalline structures along the cracks. This growth out of fracture highlights the unique beauty of the breaks. Lukas’ design philosophy is centred on the idea that the material should play an active role in shaping the final product. Rather than imposing his will entirely, he engages in a dialogue with the material, allowing it to guide the form and reveal its inherent beauty.

Interview

How does your design approach reflect across your recent series?: For my Blankenau furniture line, I incorporate branch forks that preserve their natural form. In my Crystallization series, I let crystals form within and around clay vessels until I decide to halt the process. For the Armadillo furniture series, I use traditional shingle crafting techniques to produce richly textured, organically shaped surfaces, with each shingle being distinct.
What drew you to the material of shingles for the Armadillo series ?: In my home region of Vogelsberg, shingles are a common sight, traditionally used for house facades. I am particularly intrigued by how wooden shingles give new life to small pieces of wood that might otherwise be used only as firewood.
Could you explain your collaboration with designer Corinna Dehn on this project?: Corinna Dehn, with her extensive background in the fashion industry, is a key partner in this project. Our shared dedication to sustainable production drives our work. Corinna not only contributes to the design and conceptual stages but also carefully paints each shingle with an alcohol-based stain, ensuring every detail is perfect.
What place does your collaboration with the Gallery FUMI have in your journey?: Sam Pratt and Valerio Capo met me during a group exhibition in Basel while I was still studying at UDK. I value their taste and am excited to partner with them, currently offering three exclusive collections through their London gallery. Their feedback always inspires me to think bigger and bolder.

Lukas Wegwerth is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2013