2024: The task of reconstructing the vase with the blue dots on the sunflower painting by Max Bohren (undated ca. 1940/50) inspired me to do further research. This research led me into the world of the old ceramic tradition of the town of Thun and its surroundings. Max Bohren lived in Thun and probably used ceramics from the region for his work. This is still traded today under the name Thoune ceramics. Just as Vincent’s pot was not suitable for a large bouquet of flowers, my grandfather Max’s vase is too low for a large bunch of sunflowers.
Presented during Zurich Design Weeks at Headquarters, Zurich 2024.
This research has led me to design more of my own moulds and vases, reflecting the spontaneity and joy of design. The question arises: real or fake, right or wrong? Tight or leaky?
I question things that are taken for granted.
Are these vases leak-proof?
The Japanese term mottainai is used to express a sense of regret over the waste of something whose actual value is underutilised.
More recently, the word has become a key term for addressing global resource and environmental issues.
Robert Wettstein’s sculptural light objects and furniture are all objects that have to do with Mottainai in the broadest sense.
They are found or donated objects that he has transformed. List of objects: Not as found
It is a used “Established & Sons” cardboard box which I have re-evaluated.
The piece is made from a transportation box which once contained a valuable piece of design of Sebastian Wrong. After carrying the product well-protected to the client the box fulfilled its requirements and is not needed anymore. Usually! I give it a new function. Refined by a transparent coating applied by a specialist the box turns into a useful piece of furniture. The irony lies in the playful handling of branding and editions. I play with the visible label and the uniqueness of my selection of the boxes. This is the reason why I stamp and signe the piece. The coating makes the product waterproof, rugged and ready for a long life.
Title: Unit E&S (manufacturer-dependent).
Year of design: 2009
Description: Wall object;
Product Name: Help is coming ;
Manufacturer: one-off production
Conzept: Robert Wettstein;
Material: Canvas, shelf, cup, spatula, black foil;
Year of design: 2011
Exhibited at Dienstgebäude Zürich “Catch of the Year 2011”
Description: Wall object;
Product Name: Product-Placement ;
Manufactur
Conzept: Robert Wettstein;
Material: Canvas, cast aluminum, iron;
Year of design: 2010
Descriptio
Product Name: Cloud of expanded clay ;
Manufactur
Design: Robert Wettstein;
Material: Expanded clay;
Year of design: 2001
Europalette at Swiss Center Milan.
Description: Vessels in a transport box.
Product Name: Europalette
Manufacturer: one-off production;
Design: Robert Wettstein;
Material:
Year of design: 2000