Design to Market – Talent Program. Over the coming weeks, Dutch Design Daily will be introducing the participants of 2025, today Carolien Weerstand.
There is no such thing as waste. That, in a nutshell, is the philosophy of circular designer Carolien Weerstand. And so she continually devises new uses for ‘the discarded’. Designs where the outcome is always different, but the combination of craftsmanship and innovation remains a constant. Carolien takes us through everything she’s currently doing to spark a shift in thinking about ‘waste’ among her audience.
Let’s go back to the beginning: does waste not exist?
No, not in my opinion. It’s something humans came up with so they wouldn’t have to worry about waste anymore. After all, you throw something away, and then it no longer exists. But is that really the case…?
How do you incorporate ‘waste’ into your designs?
I come up with new uses for discarded materials. The experimental process is central to this, and I let my hands and eyes guide me. The results naturally vary depending on the waste product. But the blend of craftsmanship and innovation is evident in almost all of them. For example, I am currently working on developing natural paint. I have also created a building material from old books. And for quite some time, I was working on a piece of art made from the old archives of the Tergooi MC hospital organization.
What do you hope to achieve through your work?
I encourage the viewer or user to see things differently—to look at what was once dismissed as waste. In doing so, I open the viewer’s eyes to the possibilities of a circular future. My work stands out because of the ‘simplicity’ of its execution; by making it look simple, I prompt a shift in thinking. I often get comments like, “But if you can do this with it, then you can also do this…” or “You can also use this for…” It’s remarkable that my work elicits that response. But it’s also desperately needed. Because change in a system begins with broadening one’s perspective.
Are there any exciting developments you’d like to share with us?
There are several applications pending for which I’m still waiting for a decision. For instance, I’m hoping to receive a voucher from the SPARK technical makerspace to professionalize and scale up the development process for my building blocks. I also co-authored an application with a group of artists and designers for a temporary artwork in Amersfoort, where I took on the role of artistic director. So, fingers crossed on that front as well.
And thanks in part to Design to Market, I’m working hard to establish a strong profile and promote my practice, with the help of a marketer. Any other interesting developments? I’ve been put in touch with a paint professional and a master plasterer for the further development of my paint. I’m also in contact with an organization that connects artists with companies, to approach the circular economy issue from a different angle. Exciting steps in the right direction toward professionalizing my own business.
Are there any other relevant points you’d like to mention?
I find it interesting to come up with new uses for the things that small and medium-sized businesses throw away. So I also enjoy helping companies take a fresh look at their waste.
Design to Market
Design to Market is a talent program in Brabant for young designers who are looking to grow professionally and make a difference in society. Through personal coaching and practical training, they help them build their entrepreneurial skills and personal leadership.
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