RESIDENCY WITH MERGING MATTER: SHAPING FROM THE LAND
CAN YOU TELL US HOW MERGING MATTER BEGAN, AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TOGETHER AS A CREATIVE DUO?
We first connected through Instagram, Marisa works with wood and Natasja with clay. We were both passionate about crafts and drawn to the intersection of art and design. Our first collaboration was a series called Cairns, inspired by stacked stones. It felt so natural and rewarding that we knew we wanted to keep going. Together, we reinforce each other’s work, the combination of wood and clay creates something greater than the sum of its parts.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR USE OF NATURAL MATERIALS, AND HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE MATERIALS YOU WORK WITH?
We always aim to use materials that are sustainable, natural, and locally sourced. By working with what is native to a place, our work forms a deep connection with its surroundings and with our clients. Every location carries its own colors, textures, and scents, and the materials themselves begin to tell the story of where they come from.
HOW DID YOUR COLLABORATION WITH QUINTA FILIPPA BEGIN, AND WHAT ROLE DID CIRCLE STUDIO PLAY IN BRINGING THIS PROJECT TO LIFE?
Our first contact with Circle Studio, the interior design studio behind the interiors of Quinta Filippa, began through a selection of our pieces for a styling assignment for Linteloo, a renowned furniture brand in the Netherlands. We immediately connected. Nanouk, the founder of Circle Studio, was already developing the interior concept for Quinta Filippa and initially thought our Cairns objects would be a beautiful addition to the space. After a conversation with Nikki, the idea evolved into something more ambitious. Together, we envisioned creating pieces using wood and clay sourced directly from the Quinta and working with local artisans. That vision became the foundation of our residency, and through close collaboration, we brought it to life.
CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE PIECES YOU CREATED FOR QUINTA FILIPPA? WHAT WAS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
For Quinta Filippa, we wanted to create interior objects that tell a story about the land itself. We used materials typical of Portugal and especially this region, such as olive wood, acacia, cork oak, orange trees, clay, stone, and cork. The result is a series of totems and pendants, a poetic stacking of elements that celebrates the natural beauty of the Quinta. Our work brings the outside in, creating a sense of continuity in every room. We sought out local artisans to collaborate with and were thrilled to find them so close to the Quinta. It is incredibly fulfilling to see traditional techniques being preserved and to learn from the knowledge they offer. We love working with artisans around the world and value the opportunity to exchange ideas and share practices in both directions.
STORYTELLING PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN YOUR PHILOSOPHY. WHAT STORIES DO YOU HOPE THESE PIECES WILL TELL OUR FUTURE GUESTS?
Our pieces are subtle yet ever-present. We hope our work reflects the history of the land, drawing from the pure, natural colors and textures that make this place so special. It is an expression of the beauty found in simplicity and raw materials, fostering a sense of connection to nature. Each piece is handmade, unique, and shaped by the environment that inspired it.
WHAT WAS MOST SPECIAL OR MEMORABLE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE COLLABORATING WITH QUINTA FILIPPA?
One of the most magical discoveries was realizing that many of the materials we needed, especially clay and wood, were already present at Quinta Filippa. The land even held a traditional clay extraction site, and eucalyptus trees grow here in abundance. It felt as if everything we needed was already here, simply waiting to be transformed.
WHERE DO YOU SEE MERGING MATTER GOING NEXT AND HOW DO YOU HOPE PROJECTS LIKE THIS ONE CONTINUE TO EVOLVE?
We dream of continuing our work in many places, always beginning with local materials and collaborating with local craftspeople. What we bring is our vision, design, craftsmanship, and experience. Our hope is to keep telling the story of each location and its owner through our creations, celebrating the uniqueness of every place and strengthening our connection to nature.
