Nat Wilms & Andrea Zambelli

Hillsideout

Cabinetmaker

©Ruy Teixeira

The storytellers

Nat and Andrea create pieces with a story behind them
They use wood from sources that support reforestation efforts
They push furniture to the next level, breaking the boundaries of their craft

Hillsideout (antique art design) is a joint project by Andrea Zambelli and Nat Wilms which offers furnishing solutions that embrace art, design and the antique. Andrea comes from the world of antique restoration, while Nat studied fine arts and worked as a photographer and video artist. During the financial crisis in 2008 they found themselves rethinking their professions, finding a common path in Art Design. There are several ways to approach furniture making, ranging from the aesthetic side to the choice of materials to its practicality; Hillsideout’s projects begin with a story, there is always an old tradition, a myth or a historical event hiding within their work, a less known tale that is just too interesting not to be told.

Interview

What drives your work?: Andrea: Today everything has already been done, there is much more on offer than there is demand. What is the purpose of creating a new product? We see a point in doing it only if the product has a meaning, an added value that goes beyond the product itself.
Who are your clients?: Nat: People who have means but also education and the sensibility to understand and appreciate the concept of our work. We also like to work with public institutions so that our work and the story behind it can be appreciated by a larger public.
What materials do you use?: Andrea: Since we use a lot of wood, we buy a certified one connected to reforestation. We combine it with other elements, for example cement, in this case, we use a special new kind that absorbs carbon dioxide. Then resins, Murano glass, old Kodak films… we like to experiment.
What do you like best about your work?: Nat: There is a lot to be done when it comes to furniture. Historically, it has never been given the same attention as art or fashion. There used to be a rigid division between art and design and I do not think it is necessary anymore. I like to feel that I’m taking furniture making to the next level.

Nat Wilms & Andrea Zambelli are expert artisans: they began their career in 2000