Materials Crafted In Denim | Ellen Svenningsen
Meet Ellen, a furniture maker based in Copenhagen. Ellen spent 4 years building film sets, before going back to university to do a woodwork course. Blown away by the skill behind the craft and mesmerised by the smell of the wood, she discovered the heart of woodworking while perfecting her cabinet making techniques. Now, she explores sculptural forms and decorative objects: wearing her jeans all the while.
What drew you to woodwork?
It was the tactility of shaping something with your hands, very much the materialistic pull. The shaping of it, the smell of it, the curiosity of how you put it together, how many ways to put it together. I wanted to think like a Joiner. I was intrigued by learning the practicality of their making, especially coming from my background in set design. I wanted to learn this mindset: the intuitive way of putting things together.
Where do you get your inspiration?
For furniture, definitely from flea markets and thrift stores. Places where I can go and look at antique furniture, see how it was put together, understand “oh they did that and that”’. Then I mix those ideas with my own forms.
Do you find it hard to switch off?
Yes definitely, I get lost in the work. I work for myself, and I know routines are good, but it's impossible for me to keep one. It's about discipline, but when you work for yourself, you just have to do everything, and it's frustrating at times. At the same time, I enjoy working for myself, I enjoy being able to choose my own hours and having the ability to be super flexible and free.
What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self?
Take more time to listen to yourself and be more honest with yourself. If I had done that, I think that I could have arrived here sooner.