Sigurd Nis Schelde on creative and reflective design
Sigurd Nis Schelde is a Danish artist and designer whose work sits at the intersection of art and design, creating unique objects that blend functionality with narrative expression. His journey, from studying at the prestigious Design Academy Eindhoven to establishing a workspace in Aarhus, Denmark, marks a significant transition in his professional and creative life. Through his explorative process, Schelde reflects on the challenges of moving from student to professional, while maintaining a focus on experimentation and self-growth.
The transition from academia to professional practice
For Sigurd Nis Schelde, the shift from studying design to becoming a professional has brought new perspectives on both his creative approach and the way he evaluates his work. This transition is marked by an internal dialogue between external expectations and the personal values he holds dear in his process. While adapting to the professional world, Schelde aims to protect and nurture the experimental elements of his work, allowing his creativity to flourish.
Having returned to Denmark from Eindhoven, he now operates out of a former scooter repair shop in Aarhus. This space, deeply embedded in the city where he grew up, provides him with a sense of safety as he navigates this transitional period. Here, he immerses himself in hands-on experimentation, honing his craft while grappling with new challenges.
Experimental objects and narrative-driven design
At the heart of Sigurd Nis Schelde’s design philosophy is the idea that objects should be both functional and narrative-driven. His creations are experimental in nature, and he works across various mediums and disciplines to explore archetypal forms. By being involved in every stage of production—from sketching to material realization—Schelde gains a deep understanding of materials and the production process, allowing him to create objects that are both visually compelling and conceptually rich.
This approach enables Schelde to explore dual trajectories: collaborating with specialists to develop products while also pursuing artistic expressions. His ability to balance the pragmatic demands of design with a more idealistic vision has been a defining feature of his evolving practice.
Navigating contradictions in the creative process
Sigurd Nis Schelde’s work is characterized by the integration of seemingly contradictory elements. By drawing on tools from various fields and juxtaposing simplicity with complexity, he creates fascinating constellations within his projects. A recurring theme in his process is the construction of a “pure” version of a project—one that exists without the compromises often required by functionality.
These idealized versions serve as vessels for his creative ambitions, offering a path forward through fragmented ideas that might seem impossible to realize in their entirety. In attempting to define a cohesive through-line in his practice, Schelde remains open to disruption. He acknowledges that while streamlining processes may lead to more efficient production, there is always a desire to break free from established patterns and explore new creative avenues.
Reflections and materializations: Objects as extensions of thought
For Sigurd Nis Schelde, objects are more than just functional items; they are extensions of personal reflection. His process involves alternating periods of intense production with times of sketching, testing, and ideation. By stepping away from materialization at key moments, Schelde ensures that his work remains connected to his personal growth as both an artist and a professional.
This reflective process is essential to his work. In Schelde’s world, “reflections” encompass a personal terminology that helps him analyze what makes a design soulful or intriguing. Beyond its ability to function, an object takes on semiotic value, conveying meaning through its place in a professional field or its connection to the viewer. This emphasis on narrative and meaning is a cornerstone of his design philosophy.
Balancing commercial relevance and creative exploration
In a creative landscape that often prioritizes commercial relevance, Sigurd Nis Schelde remains committed to maintaining a sense of playfulness and exploration in his work. He believes that design and art are at their best when they explore abstract senses of functionality and narrative.
This philosophy allows him to navigate the friction between pragmatic design solutions and his own idealistic vision. This tension is often reflected in his process, where he seeks to find a “recipe” that can streamline production while still allowing room for creative exploration. By managing these competing demands, Schelde continues to grow as both an artist and a designer.
As Schelde looks to the future, his focus remains on managing multiple creative trajectories. His ability to know when to narrow his focus and when to expand his horizons will be key to navigating the uncertainty of what lies ahead. His objects, shown at venues like Tableau in Copenhagen and Uppercut Space in Antwerp, as well as through private commissions, demonstrate the unique blend of art and design that defines his work.
Photographers: Pim Top, Tobias Hoffmann, Michael Rygaard; All images courtesy of Sigurd Nis Schelde, shared with permission
Sigurd Nis Schelde: Instagram
