Tactile Totems in Wood

Material Library of Surfaces in Wood

Tactile totems conclude a research with an object composed of four stackable containers. Consisting of a dome, cone, cylinder, and beam—the four archetypal shapes of architecture—the Totems introduce finishing techniques and surface treatments in wood. Together, the four forms provide a comprehensive overview of what is generally achievable.The Totems collectively form a library of materials with new finishes and processing techniques for an existing material. Nina van Bart creates totems in diverse materials commonly used in architecture, such as steel, ceramics and wood for this project.The Totems in Wood, serve as representations of research for surfaces in wood. They demonstrate what is possible and achievable in wood while also making these suggestions visible and tangible. It illustrates how, colours, textures, finishes and techniques in wood can enhance our tactile experience and influence the identity of our objects and surroundings.

Traditional Crafts and Technologies

With the cooperation of traditional and contemporary wood crafters and partners from the industry, Nina van Bart processes and treats the surfaces both manually and mechanically.She puts them through various finishing and processing techniques and applies lacquers, varnishes and reliefs. She treats them with gouges and scratches, engraves and manipulates them. An experimental research process by which Nina van Bart mainly responds to our natural need for physical and emotional involvement with the things that surround us.