Incollect Magazine Issue 7

Incollect Magazine 103 look for in a collection, a focus on craftsmanship with a career demonstrating a carefully evolving design aesthetic,” said Sean Robins and Rob Copley from Studio Van den Akker. “We felt strongly that Timothy’s work is an important part of the design conversation today, as it merges a one-of-a-kind sculptural quality with practicality that is difficult to find in the mass-produced world we live in today.” So what’s next for the restlessly inventive creator? Schreiber has always liked traveling across the globe, where he finds endless inspiration in traditional local crafts and experiments with how to apply them to his contemporary designs. Following a recent visit to Kyoto, Japan, he experimented with traditional handmade fabrics used for making kimono obis — the fabric itself is called Nishijin-ori — to cover stools and tables. A pair of stools made of a hammer-formed brass base and Nishijin-ori upholstery with gold threads woven in are currently on display at Van den Akker in Los Angeles, where Tim has a show coming up. “I went to the traditional weaving district in Kyoto called Nishijin. They have these old looms in traditional wooden townhouses and you see the centuries-old crafts and the original technology. They really can make any shape or design in this old- fashioned way but what is striking is that this process delivers incredible quality” Schreiber says. “I pair it with a contemporary design, mixing old and new, and the stools showing at Van den Akker are the outcome of this approach. I think I will explore it more.” Schreiber was fascinated with Japan and in addition to working with fabric makers he has also started work with a traditional pottery place making Kawara roof tiles. “I love the color and that silver sheen and I want to apply it to furniture.” He has also started with metal and marble marquetry, producing dining and side tables that are also with Van den Akker. In addition, he recently started making a series of bronze designs in collaboration with Rincker, a German bell foundry in business since 1590 that also specializes in art casting. Schreiber isn’t concerned about his progress with new techniques and materials. “I am rejuvenated by this,” he says, “my inspiration is in learning from traditional craftsmen and in updating past materials, ideas, and tools. When I worked for Zaha Hadid, people were always trying to reinvent the wheel. In the creation of studio furniture, there is a lot you can do with the wheels we have had for centuries. It's just that many makers have forgotten about them.” Top left: Nishijin Table and Stool with gold thread embellished Japanese obi fabric upholstery, from Van den Akker through Incollect.com. Top right: The wall- mounted Methodology Console features a satin finish top with a polished base shown here in brass, also available in stainless steel. Available from Van den Akker through Incollect.com. Bottom: Micron Stools in gold patina bronze with double matte and glossy finish, or mirror finish silver patina bronze. Available from Galerie des Lyons through Incollect.com.