Philipp von Hase

Furniture maker

©Dag Sandven

©Jannica Luoto

©Masiar-Pasquali

Expect the unexpected

Philipp is inspired by natural and cultural phenomena
His objects have ingenious twists
Steambending of wood is one of his specialisations

One of Philipp von Hase’s main principles is to make objects that are useful. Philipp strives to make sculptural pieces with ingenious conceptual twists that enhance their functionality. Born in Germany, Philipp studied Furniture Making in Hanover and graduated in Furniture Design at the Academy of Arts and Design in Bergen, on the west coast of Norway, where he now lives. Dedicated to the sustainable use of materials, he works in harmony with the texture of the wood and his pieces are still intriguing even when upside down or back to front like the Trialog, a three legged chair designed for reverse sitting, with a backrest that serves as an armrest when the chair is used backwards. Inspired by cultural phenomena, his artistic practice is divided into Møbel, Pøbel and Trødel design.

Interview

©Dag Sandven

©Jannica Luoto

What does Møbel, Pøbel and Trødel design mean?: For Møbel, from the Latin mobilis (movable), I handcraft small scale wooden furniture; for Pøbel, from the Latin populus (people), I work with urban spaces, often co-creating mobile micro-architectures and for Trødel, the German word for unwanted and used things, I repurpose old objects and upcycle materials.
Did you learn from a master?: Not one but a number of them! John Wood, a master in tools restoration, Jürgen Meier, a master in furniture making, Petter Bergerud, professor in architecture and design, Dave Vikøren, professor in furniture design and last but not least Robert Strauch, a master in permaculture design.
Why did you want to be a craftsman?: I chose a craft career because I was seeking creative expression as much as professional freedom. Through engagement with materials and ideas, we develop creativity, inventiveness, problem- solving and practical intelligence.
What inspires you?: Cultural phenomena but I am very much inspired by objects that have a little magic function, some sort of special force or an unexpected super power, like the walking cane that also holds a tiny little umbrella inside of it or the shelf that you can transform into a desk.

Philipp von Hase is a master artisan: he began his career in 2003 and he started teaching in 2016