MONTBLANC RELEASES NEW AUTUMN/WINTER 2024 COLLECTION AND CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of their Meisterstück writing instrument, the luxury…
All images courtesy of Montblanc
Brendi’s digital art journey began with experimentation in fashion and furniture design, discovering 3D tools during a class. A love for nature fuels a passion for creating abstract, nature-inspired sculptures. The collaboration with Jaeger-LeCoultre seamlessly blended digital and traditional craftsmanship.
Jaeger-LeCoultres Made of Makers-a digital florists turn on shifting high watch making and digital arts
Yes, I found my path in digital arts through experimentation. Starting in fashion, then exploring furniture design, I stumbled upon 3D design tools during a furniture design class. Instagram opened up a visually rich world beyond physical objects. My early exposure to arts, thanks to my mother, fueled my creative expression. Discovering that this could be a viable career was a game-changer. Trying different industries like fashion and furniture taught me invaluable design lessons, emphasizing tactility and sensory aspects in my work. Today, my focus is on digital sculpture, creating abstract and surreal pieces. Yet, my past experiences, including working with soft materials, seamlessly contribute to my current artistry.
Sure, I believe that when I started this journey about six years ago, it has evolved significantly. My work has always been more abstract, heavily influenced by nature, especially corals and flowers—something I’ve been passionate about throughout my life. This passion reflects in my art. I recall a time when people were more reserved about expressive 3D, making it intriguing to witness the change in how people value the kind of work I do. There was hesitation, but now, artists, especially in the digital realm, drive brand expression in a new and exciting way. It’s a fortunate circumstance for me, aligning my artistic values seamlessly in collaborations like this, where I can work for a brand without compromising my core principles and interests.
I just love it. It’s pretty much that way for me. If it’s not flowers, then it’s more sea life. I can’t explain where my fascination with nature came from. It’s just something that’s always drawn me since I was a kid. When I’m asked to explain it, it’s hard because, for me, everything is so cool. There are so many different shapes and forms. The fact that all of this is coming from
tiny organisms and DNA—how can you not be captivated by it? When I think about this, it’s really almost overwhelming.
Yeah, absolutely. On our planet, we have millions of different living things. It’s hard not to feel lucky and want to spend time exploring that because our planet is one of a kind. I try to stay grounded and grateful for where I am. Focusing on nature feels like a big part of that practice.
The collaboration went seamlessly. Despite the apparent differences between digital design and traditional watchmaking processes, we share a core requirement for precision and intricate work. High-end watchmaking involves meticulous craftsmanship and technology, though not in the conventional computer-centric sense. The collaboration was effortless for me, as digital is simply the medium I use, and it’s the perfect tool. When creating the flowers and considering their connection to the Maison, especially the Reverso collection, I viewed it as an interactive piece, much like interacting with a flower. The details in the watchmaking amazed me; it felt like observing a tiny, intricate city on your wrist. The craftsmanship reminded me of how flowers are composed of various unique parts, each with its own texture, color, and pattern. Flowers, to me, are nature’s art and gifts, much like these watches in their own way. This alignment in values made the collaboration incredibly smooth.
I think being able to collaborate with a prestigious brand like Jaeger-LeCoultre is incredibly special. Sharing my work on a global and physical scale, reaching a broader audience, is truly exciting. Last year, I was part of a show in Sydney that could be viewed online, but the in-person experience is incomparable. The extensive reach that Jaeger-LeCoultre offers is thrilling, especially for my digital artworks. Digital art’s adaptability, translating into 3D printing and other mechanical processes, allows for a tangible, immersive experience. As an artist, having my work go from a screen to a physical display and witnessing people interact with it is a significant milestone. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with more people and showcase my art in a way I haven’t experienced on such a large scale before.
Yeah, I’m incredibly thrilled! The timing is perfect, aligning with a festive season when the world seems more receptive to wonder, magic, and distinct experiences. It’s a time when we seek things that are a bit more fantastical, adding to the excitement. Personally, I adore the holiday season, especially seeing all the various creative displays. It’s wonderful when we, as humans, put effort into making things as exciting as possible. So, viewing it through that lens and, as you mentioned, having a physical manifestation adds another dimension. It’ll help familiarize others with digital art, making it easier for them to connect with and understand.
Yeah, it’s truly a premiere for me in this specific industry, and it’s a wonderful experience. I greatly appreciate how they approached me, emphasizing the creation of something beyond simply animating their watch. It’s about crafting art that embodies the essence of the brand while highlighting my identity as an artist. I believe that’s something every artist hopes for, and it’s nothing short of a dream when such projects manifest.
Totally. Considering the symbolic value of gold in our society, I found the idea of gilding the flowers truly exciting. I love experimenting with various materials, and with the flowers having such intricate shapes, waves, and curves, exploring their reflectiveness was fascinating. It allowed me to capture their form in a completely novel light. Naturally, we’re drawn to things that shimmer and have a bit of shine. So, especially when the flowers are larger, they pull you in a different way than they would with just a standard texture. Both approaches have their unique beauty; it’s just a matter of distinctiveness—a new and intriguing perspective.
Holding the sculpted piece, after investing considerable time in detailing and sculpting, is an emotional experience. While I’ve 3D printed before, having the opportunity to see them in gold was exceptional, especially during our shoot in Paris. The pieces appeared fully metallic without the usual 3D printing lines, a rarity for me due to limited access to such tools. It sparked my curiosity on how I could explore more of this at home—perhaps using 3D printing and various coatings. The tangible experience adds another layer, making the process feel more cerebral.
Personally, in my relationship with nature, I aspire to spark conversations and prompt a shift in perspective. Working with gold, which holds surprise, may encourage people to contemplate nature differently and pay closer attention to their surroundings. Amidst the constant rush of today’s world, we often overlook the greenery or living things we pass by in cities. It would be wonderful for people to pause, reflect, and appreciate the nature around them. I’ve always viewed flowers as a world of their own, and I strive to share that world with others. My hope is that it inspires them, encouraging a deeper connection with nature. This encapsulates my perspective on nature.
Oh yes, absolutely. The place is truly a gem, boasting the best of everything with its rolling hills and the stunning presence of Mont Blanc along the way. It’s breathtaking. On a charming note, the cows there are a delight. The landscape is truly stunning, with beautiful lakes where the water often appears blue-a rarity compared to the lakes from where I come, where the water isn’t always as pure. It’s a distinct experience, and I hope others can witness and appreciate it too. When you consider what the tour entails, the beauty of the region might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s an integral part of the overall tour experience.
Brendi Wedinger Artworks for Jaeger-LeCoultre will be showcased in the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique opening in November on Maximilianstrasse in Munich.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of their Meisterstück writing instrument, the luxury…
All images courtesy of Montblanc
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