Introduction
Part two of the Artists in Residence series features Dutch designer Rick Tegelaar, who is known for transforming everyday materials into innovative, show-stopping designs.
“I see myself more as a designer than an artist.”
Rick Tegelaar made his mark by transforming ordinary materials into show-stopping designs. His Meshmatics chandelier—fashioned from simple chicken wire for the Dutch design brand MOOOI—highlights his ability to find elegance in the unexpected. Now based in Arnhem, his work can be seen at Paleis Het Loo and international design fairs.
Design and Innovation in Arnhem
“This area of Arnhem is a hub for sustainable creators. Surrounded by tech and manufacturing, I can develop the environment we need for our pieces. Together with my team, we tackle everything from small industrial to large-scale designs, mostly focusing on lighting. My background in lighting design got me noticed, and it is my specialty.”
Every new project starts with an idea. From a young age, Rick has taken gadgets apart—like scooters—and put them back together. That same curiosity now drives him to push materials beyond their usual limits.
“I start by experimenting, and from there, something unique often emerges.”
Making and creating things is his real skill. Every design piece passes through his hands.
“There’s a puzzle-like problem-solving that’s tough to delegate. It’s both technical and intuitive. Sometimes I customise my machines for my experimental approach. Though I look for technical solutions, I consider myself more of a designer than an artist.”
Brass is a personal favourite of Rick’s, and he constantly examines materials from every angle to discover innovative uses.
“I’ll pair brass with chicken wire, and you can get surprisingly sophisticated results that way. I recently watched a documentary on cars and realised how different disciplines converge in the shift to electric. That’s a realm that fires up my imagination, maybe pointing to future designs.”
Follow Rick Tegelaar
Photography: Valérie van der Wal
Text and Production: Im Fong Liu
Previously published in Dutch in ModMod #04
