The beauty of practicality
- Eva creates bespoke wood furniture with a contemporary design
- She is inspired by the aesthetic simplicity of Shaker furniture
- She combines modern technology and traditional excellence
In 1995 Eva Mechler was fed up with the grammar school, its system and its approach to learning. So in the 10th grade she decided to leave school and to take up a traditional carpentry apprenticeship instead, “I wanted to create something with my own hands and put my interest in geometry into practice.” Fast forward six years, Eva reached the rank of master carpenter following the footsteps of her grandfather. “At the age of eight, I built my first piece of furniture together with my grandfather. He was a carpenter himself and made furniture and toys for me and my brothers.” Today, she is an award winning designer who established her own company in Switzerland. She collaborates with leading designers in Zurich, Paris, Amsterdam, London and New York, for land, air, and sea projects, and takes part in every step of the making process, from sketch to completion. Having started her practice in the late 1990s, Eva has developed a unique but simple aesthetic that builds on quality with a special focus on contemporary design fit for the future.
Interview
- Where do you find inspiration?
- I find inspiration mostly in people and places. My grandfather was an inspiration for me, as he is the one who taught me how to craft toys. My daughters inspire me, as I am constantly trying to decide which new furniture I could craft for them. The designers I work with challenge me to stretch my ability as a maker. Walking in the mountains and forests near my home is also a great source of inspiration.
- Is function an aesthetic practice?
- I enjoy minimalist interiors with 'simple beauty', allowing materials to tell their own story. My furniture can be influenced by mid-century modern or contemporary designs found in the collections and galleries in Zurich and New York. My emphasis is on functionality, simplicity, and showing the beauty of wood.
- What are your goals for the future?
- As a maker, I am committed to preserving and sharing skills, and prove craftsmanship as a signature of contemporary culture. My goal is to continue designing and creating objects that will be used and appreciated for generations to come. Guiding the development of skills in the young artisans employed in my workshop helps to prepare for the future.
- What is your advice for the next generation of craftspeople?
- I would recommend young carpenters to extensively learn about the specific characteristics and potential of different kinds of wood, as without that understanding it is impossible to produce furniture that is reliable and fit for purpose.
Eva Mechler is a master artisan: she began her career in 1998 and she started teaching in 2001
Where
Eva Mechler
