HIDEKI YOSHIMOTO / STUDIO TANGENT - The Natural 2.0

Studio Tangent: I studied aeronautical engineering in Tokyo. I was passionate about it. To give you an example... I was a jazz trumpet player in parallel, and I was already trying to use technology in my musical performances. I even made a plane with LED lights that responded to the music. This project was artistic and technological at the same time.

L: How did you get started?

ST: I wrote a thesis on artificial intelligence, which put me over the top in my class. Then I moved to London six years ago where I got my PhD in Innovation, Design and Engineering. My work was interested in the pulsation of rhythm, in rhythmic movement. I wanted to bring kinetics to design. I did ten different projects for my thesis. This bubble table is one of them.

L: How did this idea come to you?

ST: I did a lot of experiments with bubbles, which have always fascinated me. And then, one day, I put a straw in some paint and blew into it. It amused me, and I tried different combinations of liquids.

L: There is also a lot of poetry in your work...

ST: Absolutely. Everything comes from nature, from the inspiration you get from it. It's only afterwards that I use technology to express it.

L: How did you meet Armand Hadida?

ST: Armand Hadida spotted me in Milan. He liked my work and we met several times. I have already been to Leclaireur Boissy and Leclaireur Hérold. I like these places, I feel good there.

L: What do you think of the design scene in London and Paris?

ST: It's funny because a lot of the people who are interested in my work are French. Even in London and Milan, it's still French people. I come to France once a month now.

L: What are your next projects?

ST: I have to go to Milan next year, for an installation. I am already selling pieces, so I am continuing my development. I have an example of a smaller piece than this table, a light installation, a candlestick. A helium scale as well, which was also a school project for musical events.