Creativity dose with... Marta Bakowski
Marta Bakowski is a talented Product Designer.
Born in Paris in 1986, Marta Bakowski studied design at Central Saint Martins College before completing her degree with the Royal College of Arts. Two years spent alongside Hella Jongerius capped off her training, leading the young designer to establish her own studio in 2013 in Paris. Her collaborations include: La Chance, Ligne Roset as well as Roche Bobois and the latest for Maison Matisse.
3 words to define your universe :
Bold, Colorful & Hybrid.
An inspiring brand?
I like brands that invest a lot in research or that are working from archives. Vitra does an amazing job at this with the help of designer Hella Jongerius who took over their Color and Material library.
What is your greatest pride?
I am proud that I managed to create my own studio and build such a nice body of collaborations that stand between design & crafts . Working on projects such as 'Design for Peace' with AfrikaTiss, the collection "La Musique" with Maison Matisse or lately the collection "Ceramic & food/ IDE to Puglia" with International Design Expeditions was a true blessing.
Your next big challenge in 2020?
This year I want to concentrate again on my self initiated work. I have many drawings that I would like to keep developing and propose to companies that inspire me. Working on your own ideas sometimes take guts.
I am also currently at the start of a project with Art Director Chantal Granier, and planning a collaboration with a very talented craftswoman. Teaching is also on my list. Passing on is a fantastic experience.
How do you recharge your batteries ?
Travels, visiting new places and seeing something new (nothing ever comes out of staying in front of a computer!). The brain needs food too!
Your favorite Art?
As said before, probably Primitive Arts from Africa. I find craft from all over the world also very inspiring. Every culture has unbelievable treasures.
Your artistic crush in 2019?
I discovered Artist Hassan Hajjaj at the Maison Européenne de la photographie in Paris. A bold mix, in which his moroccan roots meet Pop culture with vivid colours and a unique identity.
Who do you dream of collaborating with?
When designing objects, you have to consider the environment in which those will exist. I would love to design a full surface material collection, may it be textiles, original wallpapers, tiles, concrete or ceramics éléments.
Favorite restaurant?
I am so bad at picking restaurants (so good at eating though...)! I love places that feel like home or that make me travel somewhere else. I both live and work in Malakoff, just outside Paris. There is a great and atypical place there called 'Le Timbre Poste' that my boyfriend and I call 'our canteen'.
A museum / exhibition to recommend?
My 'must see' Museum in Paris is Musée du Quai Branly. I have seen their permanent exhibition so often but still discover something new each time.
There is currently an exhibition about Charlotte Perriand at Fondation Louis Vuitton that is worth going to.
Finally, there will be a big exhibition about Henri Matisse starting in May at Centre Pompidou, definitely on my to do list.
Next trip ?
My curent dream destination is Mexico, I cannot wait to wait to finally organise it. There might also be a chance to go to Japan for a project.
Readings to advise?
I am currently reading 'Ecrits d'Alessandro Mendini: Architecture, Design et Projets', with an introduction by Pierangelo Caramia and Catherine Geel.
A must read for any designer! I also just got several books about Color Theory for research, and the last book by Loic Prigent for a good laugh!
Your favorite quote ?
Intuition is a superpower, trust it and use it! (I just made it up, but it has helped me a lot)
Any advice for someone who wants to live from their passion?
HAVE FUN. It will show through your work and it will make your projects successful.
Also don't be afraid to fail as something will always come out of it.
Favorite IG account?
@babatreebaskets who recently collaborated with the inspiring and solar Bettina McILwraith from @appetitefordecoration
Also @jeanpaulgoudeofficial, I just can't get enough of his work.
What are your sources of inspiration?
My inspiration comes a lot from my travels, while discovering other cultures, aesthetics and local craftsmanship. I am obsessed with primitive and folk arts, I think there is something beautiful about their naivety.
My projects often start with a colour or material research, so I always feel like a happy kid in a room full of samples!
Your biggest dream?
Keep working and surrounding myself with inspiring people
Travel around the world
Have a house by the sea, one day…
Follow Marta on Instagram : @marta_bakowski