Sahand & Navid Gholipour

Lovenlight Design

Woodworker

©lovenlight design

From craft to art

Sahand & Navid's pieces merge Eastern forms with Western design
They are inspired by the technical and aesthetic details of the everyday
As self-taught craftsmen innovation is part of their learning process

Sahand and Navid Gholipour were born in Iran, and are now based in Limassol, Cyprus. Sahand has a diploma in Electrical Studies while Navid has long worked as a graphic designer. Initially self-taught, they worked on small scale objects, the challenges and details presented by wood led them to become professional woodworkers. They started working out of their garage-turned-workshop and in 2016 they officially opened their wood workshop in old city of Limassol. Their designs merge the diversity of Eastern forms with Western modern design and seek innovation while respecting tradition both in functionality and form. As a result what emerges through their objects is a sensitive and joyful approach to creativity. Their furniture pieces have been exhibited in various exhibitions in Cyprus and in 2019 they received the BigSEE Wood Design Award.

Interview

©lovenlight design

©lovenlight design

What influences are there in your designs?: Our cultural background is rather obvious in our art, merged with western and local cultures. This manifestation is not the outcome of a conscious decision, but the natural development that derives from our background.
What are your sources of inspiration?: We get inspired by daily life, by every single piece of furniture, old or new. We observe technical and aesthetic details with curiosity. The cuts, the joints and the unification of the whole object are details that actually fascinate us!
What is little-known about your work?: The time required for every single detail. Also, when you create a new synthesis, you need to pay attention to function, execution and appearance. Each is a distinct feature of every piece, yet the three should be in absolute coherence.
Could your craft be considered in danger?: Mass production and irresponsible consumption are the main challenges for the survival of craftspeople. Yet, we believe that artisans can raise public awareness. They can also influence culture by doing what they love.

Sahand & Navid Gholipour are expert artisans: they began their career in 2012 and they started teaching in 2021