Images by Christoffer Engström / Models: Neshat Golparvar & Ingebjørg Klingenberg Kovacic / Jackets generously lent by Kollekted By

P R O C E S S

R E N

Made in Oslo, Norway

Porcelain, Shou Sugi Ban oak, linen thread, and ebony horse hair. 2020.

In a time when cleanliness and hygiene are topical conversation, Ren is an exploration into the modern cleansing ritual. An exploration and re-imagining that begins with an act that we currently do countless times a day; the simplest and humbleness of acts, that of handwashing.

Our lives have unexpectedly become centered upon this simple cleansing routine that leaves our hands dry, roughemed, and ladened with the scent of spirits. Ren, as a series, explores a tea-ceremony-like take on the washing of hands. Focusing in on the experience as one to take time in, reflect upon, and transform into a pleasurable experience. 

The shapes of each piece are formed of rolling curves almost as if formed by running water, like that of stones beside a running river. The blackened oak is torched in an act called shou sugi ban, with their top layer burnt to form a natural, water protective layer. A time old manner of protecting wood from the elements. Together these ideas and techniques intertwine to form the basis of Ren, to re-imagine the handwashing experience. The set includes a wash basin, soap dish, towel, pitcher, hand brush and nail brush.

Poppy Lawman is a designer based in Oslo, Norway, where she focuses on making thoughtful slow designs and objects whose goal is to connect one to their surroundings, and in this case place in time endeavouring to promote living in the moment. Part sculpture and part utilitarian, the objects are made to be enjoyed in and out of use dancing the line of art and design for a slower, more connective way of living.

Available via:

Kollekted By, Oslo Norway

https://kollektedby.no/collections/poppy-lawman

New Norm Magazine “Ren” - Hong Kong

https://www.thenewnormstudio.net/ren

Residence Magazine - 'Ren’ - Pelle Hedeby - Sweden

https://stilinspiration.residencemagazine.se/ren/

Damn Magazine “Ren” - Belgium

https://www.damnmagazine.net/product/ren/