In a world in which so many of the products we acquire are machine-made, something like the Pencil Case Collection catches one's attention. This delightful set of writing utensils comprises pieces that have been individually whittled from wood by the artist's own hands.
Camille Barnard, a London-based designer, used wooden sticks to carve the shapes of ballpoint pens, Sharpies, glue sticks, erasers, rulers and protractors. These express the formal imperfections of the freehand sculpting medium while quite accurately representing the inky tips, the caps and the familiar shapes of office supplies. The Pencil Case Collection is complete with the application of paint, dressing up the faux items with the colors and brand names that you'll see at the stationery shop.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Handmade Office Supplies
- The trend of independently crafted office supplies provides opportunities for customization and adds unique value to a traditional industry.
- Artistic Manufacturing
- The trend of hand-sculpting every piece showcases the artist's creativity and provides consumers with an artistic alternative to mass-produced products.
- Functional Sculptures
- The trend of transforming everyday objects into decorative items with intricate carving and painting indicates opportunities for designers and artists to create functional art pieces outside of traditional mediums.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Stationery and Office Supplies
- Manufacturers and designers in this industry can explore handmade alternatives to appeal to consumers who desire unique and artistic products.
- Art and Sculpture
- This industry can look into expanding to functional art pieces that feature sculpting and painting skills, creating a new market for traditional art practices.
- Handicrafts
- This industry can embrace the trend of hand-sculpting functional pieces and transfer their knowledge to create contemporary and artistic pieces that consumers can use every day.
