Design Talk with Markus Keusen
“Every project comes with new challenges – that’s what fascinates and motivates me.” A conversation with Markus Keusen.
Challenge: What are you currently working on in your studio – and what challenges you the most at the moment?
There are always several interconnected things to tackle at once in the present: planning, preparing, clarifying, implementing, or gathering. The challenge is not to lose the thread – and if it does get lost or breaks anyway, to simply not freak out or fall into fear.
Dream collaboration: Who would you like to realise a joint project with?
Over the past 12 years, I have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful people. This sense of fulfilment always requires mutual respect, trust, openness, honesty, knowledge, skill, experience, consideration, and appreciation.
In the craft and design field, I particularly enjoy working with people who consciously pursue their aesthetic visions and value materialisation and craftsmanship. I love the challenge of precisely translating the needs and expectations of others and creating something new together.
Role models: Which designers or artists have influenced you on your path?
Urs Hug, one of the co-founders of Designer’s Saturday.
Hotspot: Which place in Langenthal inspires you most in everyday life? – and, more broadly: which place in the world gives you energy for your work?
My showroom.
… and if you take a broader view: which place in the world gives you energy for your work?
Places with respectful people.
Inspiration: Is there something you can only find in Langenthal – and that directly feeds into your work?
Langenthal is my birthplace, my spirit – this is where I find inspiration and draw my creative strength.
Tradition & future: Producing (and installing) handcrafted cement tiles is a centuries-old craft. Where do you see the future of these practices, also in terms of sustainability?
In craftsmanship. In consciously using materials that are sustainable.
Material: What fascinates you most about working with cement tiles?
The work itself. Every project brings new challenges – that’s what fascinates me and keeps me going.
Everyday life: You are simultaneously a tinkerer, craftsman, and entrepreneur – how do you balance these roles?
With my magic hat (laughs).
Time travel: When you look back in ten years – what traces would you like your work to have left?
