The June issue usually gives way to a new 20-something list, featuring models, musicians, actors, illustrators, fashion designers, photographers, artists, architects,... and so much more. The people who are a representation of young society in Belgium, a generation ready to rule our world. In 2020, hence the double number, we’re serving you, hungry hearts, 2 editions of our acclaimed list. That’s right, we’re doubling the amount of features, starting a bit earlier. Let us introduce you to the faces you didn't realise you wanted to meet!
Axelle Vertommen
Furniture designer and interior architect, Antwerp
What do we & our readers need to remember about you?
Colourful and fun, yet practical furniture pieces and interiors that put a smile on your face.
What is the (near) future bringing you?
Some interior projects I’m working on are now on pause due to the lockdown, so I am looking forward to restarting them.
What are you up to these days?
Making new designs and trying out prototypes in wood or cardboard, and anything that’s around.
What artists are you listening to?
Altin Gün, John Maus, Bruce Haack,… and a friend and I just finished a playlist for a lockdown playlist.
Which records are you playing most right now?
I hear a New World by Joe Meek.
What makes your heart go faster these days?
Stumbling upon new, inspiring design studios. There’s time for strolling around the internet and finding new influences now.
Since my job is my hobby, I’m constantly drawing, thinking about new ideas,…
What are you doing daily at 9pm/9am?
Since my job is my hobby, I’m constantly drawing, thinking about new ideas,… I actually only take breaks to go for a walk or a run.
How do you bring some routine into your days?
Not much has changed, I still wake up around the same time and work the same hours a day. But everything is much more relaxed.
What does your face mask look like?
I haven’t made a face mask yet… probably should start looking for a fabric with a nice print.
What’s your personal utopia?
In my utopia the built environment would be more aesthetic and quality would rule over quantity.
What brings you satisfaction?
A new good idea.
What’s your favourite lockdown Instagram account?
@\_sightunseen\_ is featuring some interesting talks on IGtv.
What’s your favourite lockdown book?
Since lockdown I bought a lot of books already, such as ‘Less is Bore, 2G No. 80 Fala’, drawings by Nathalie Du Pasquier,…
What’s your favourite lockdown film?
Not a film, but a Netflix series, Unorthodox. We live in the Jewish neighborhood in Antwerp, and this is eye opening. Watching Spirited Away again was also very much fun.
How do you keep healthy?
We try to eat as fresh and healthy as possible, something that wasn’t always easy before lockdown.
What’s one of your sources of inspiration that may surprise people?
My inspirations aren’t really surprising, yet very diverse. This can go from random situations in the streets to modernist buildings I’ve visited and art.
What would you like to be doing in 10 years time?
The same as I’m doing now, but more successful and profitable.
How does the current crisis make you feel?
To my own surprise, I’m kind of enjoying it and I feel much more relaxed. There’s time to sort things out and let ideas grow.
There’s time to sort things out and let ideas grow
How important are fellow companions now? How do you reach out?
We still communicate, just in another way. My friends still come visit, since we live in a bel-étage and we can talk through the window and keep the correct distance.
What is the latest/future project you are working on?
Some interiors, carpets, two lamps, an ottoman, a coffee table, a plant rack,… everything at once.
Did you have an exhibition/concert/show on your agenda these days? Which one?
There’s a lot! But mostly I’m still hoping to catch some exhibitions that started right before the lockdown, for example the exhibition of 7 Arts, Belgian avant-garde in CIVA Brussels.
What will the second part of 2020 bring you?
I already bought tickets for a showcase festival in Rotterdam (Left Of The Dial) in October, to have something to look forward to. And also I’m aiming to get a lot of my current ideas produced.
Who is the person that most influenced you throughout your development in life?
Hard to point out one person, but obviously I was very happy (and still am) when I discovered the work of Ettore Sottsass.
The entire scene of young and lesser known furniture designers could use a little more attention
What is the most important thing you’ve learned lately?
Take time and be more patient. Very hard for me.
Is there anyone in your scene who needs more attention?
The entire scene of young and lesser known furniture designers could use a little more attention in my opinion.
Comfort food/specialty dish now?
Just like everybody else: banana bread.
Lockdown hobby?
Just like everybody else: running.
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