Francois Hurtaud solidifies plant stems with metal in latest work
Inspired by Gregor Mendel who discovered interesting traits of inheritance while potting pea plants at the beginning of the 19th century, Mendel Frames is a series of metal frames inspired by the natural and complex forms of plant stems. Designer François Hurtaud aimed at solidifying a hand-finished microscopic section of three different plant cells in bronze, brass or copper. This organic texture has been made possible by a judicious combination of both high precision computer numerical control machining and the unique expertise of skilled artisans. Over a year of research and development has finally made those patterns into a reality - now structurally balanced, yet naturally organic pieces of art.
Liquid metal is an exceptional material that allows visual and texture manipulation with high complexity. This collaboration was an opportunity to showcase more than two decades of our metal finishing know-how. A medium is coated with several layers of bronze, brass or copper and undergoes multiple surface treatments ranging from undercoating, metal coating, aging to top coating. A polished finishing brings light to an elaborate metallic coating.
