LONG LIFE DESIGN

smudge is networking with artists, artisans and communities around concepts and practices of Long Life Design.

In particular, we have been inspired by the long life design movement in Japan as exemplified by D&Department, founded by Nagaoka, Kenmei in 002000.

Long life design objects and practices endure because they are cherished, easy to repair and maintain, and rooted in daily living. They retain their attraction through generations because of their ease of use, pleasing design, and practicality.

Often, they constitute a creative response to the uniqueness of a place (its history, natural materials, traditions, cultural perspectives, and landscape).

Our vision is to offer Long Life Designs as practical, aesthetic, and artisanal responses to contemporary environmental issues and crises.

We are creating cultural and art-practice bridges among ourselves and artisans in Japan and our own local communities who design objects that have been produced for generations—sometimes for over a century.

In September 002021 we launched a collaboration with Marie Uno of Tokyo, Japan (follow the project on instagram here).

At OBSERVATORY, we offer experiences and objects that are carefully curated to express "long life design.” The tea and tableware are curated by Marie Uno and often includes kintsugi repair.

In August 002022, we launched our first exhibition sharing D&Department tools and objects at OBSERVATORY.

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We also welcome collaborations around the theme of Long Life Design. We can be reached through our CONNECT page.