Alex de Witte
Alex de Witte is a Dutch designer whose work explores the intersection of light, sculpture, and material experimentation. Based in the Netherlands, he is particularly known for his expressive blown-glass lighting pieces, which combine technical precision with a poetic and atmospheric sensibility.
Graduating from the Artemis Academy in Amsterdam in 2003, de Witte developed a practice rooted in perception, balance, and the emotional experience of form. His work often plays with scale, transparency, and the behavior of light, resulting in objects that blur the line between functional design and sculpture. Best known for works such as Big Bubble, his pieces have become recognizable for their organic presence and distinctive visual language.
Interview
I’m Alex de Witte, born and raised in the south of the Netherlands (Zeeland, which means sea-land). I grew up with the sea, we went there often, and I still feel the connection with the wideness and nature.
My first memories come from my childhood when we went to a museum with classic and modern art. I only remember that it was absolutely boring to me. I now love going to many museums whenever I can.
No, I didn’t. I started the art academy at the age of 26. In the beginning, I couldn’t find what I would like to do most in my career. After 3 years of acting in a musical as a hobby, I discovered the freedom of art and expression. Then I decided to go to an art school.
I feel comfortable with applied arts. I love to add a useful function to things. Often I have an idea for everyday objects to create them in a way I like to do.
It’s hard to explain that in just a few sentences; it’s always and every time different. I don’t have a general way for creation. I set all my antennas in the right direction. I think a lot, I have a big fantasy, and I have many ideas. Often many in one day! The only thing I have to do more consciously is to filter and to work things out and test them. If an idea passes all the tests, it could be a product. It often takes more than a year before something is ready.
My favorite days have multiple ingredients. Dreaming of starting, organizing productions, talking with people I work with to get things done… I planned at least 2 days a week for free thinking, sketching, and creating new work. However, it’s never a whole day; it’s always in between organising and practical work. I think that’s the best way to work. It’s working for me at least.
The materials depend on the product I have to make, so it’s not usually starting with the materials.
That’s totally different per product for lighting, I have to take care of warm and enough light, and also the mounting must be safe. It’s too much to clarify all the challenges I face here.
Follow your feelings and don’t be afraid of the public. Meaning, stay close to yourself and your ideas.
If I could name it myself, it would be called “Poetic’’. It’s a bit dreamy and naive. I love to follow my feelings about what I’m doing.
Maarten Baas, for sure, he refound himself many times. But in general, I’m more influenced by nature and the things I see around me than by colleagues.
I love the work of Maarten Baas I previously worked for. His work is really genious! Check it out. Especially his filmed clocks…… and many more designers and architects.
Christo, for example, he was a genius as well! His different view on things is refreshing. It’s poetic as well, and I fell in love with his works right away.
Poetic and free of boundaries.
Ab-so-lutely ! I’m working hard to create something different from lighting and glass; I don’t want to bind myself to the same ingredients over and over again.
“Follow your feelings and don’t be afraid of the public.”
The Questions
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust.
Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde,
Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)
Freedom.
Illness or death.
Being headstrong.
Divers :)
Obama.
My interior.
Thankful.
Working hard.
Matter-of-factness.
Sense.
‘I Say ‘ when im giving orders to my 3D program.
Better sketching skills.
I would change myself into a more diplomatic kind person.
That I can do what I like the most.
A bird to fly or a strong animal that could live in peace in nature/woods.
Here in the Netherlands, which is great otherwise, somewhere with more nature around (New Zealand or Sweden).
In terms of design, the ragged chair by Tejo Remy, which is made from clothes from my closest friends and family.
The fall of human being, like the war in Ukraine, it is so sad.
Thinking about new, sketching, dreaming.
Stubbornnes.
Talking openly with a lot of depth.
Many!! Min Jin Lee, Khaleid Hosseini etc.
No heroes.
I really don’t know, don’t identify with people in general.
No heroes, but I admire people who stand for the bigger goals like Mandela. I’m not like them, but I admire them.
–
Bad food.
That I didn’t finish my piano lessons in my childhood, now I have to start over again, (which is still joyful, I love Bach!).
Haha, in my sleep when I’m old.
Be free and stay close to yourself. It’s my highest core. (independence)
“Poetic and free of boundaries.”
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