Fascination is a central element to Jule Cats’ designs, stimulating interaction between the object and the user. With her current handmade objects, she creates a sense of mystery by combining contrasting materials into one object.
The origin of her current work lies within the housing system of Dutch cities. Having lived in houses that were on the list to be demolished, Jule Cats experienced the grief that comes with being forced to leave your home. By combining concrete remains with polyester, she developed multiple objects showing the beauty and emotional value of a waste product. At the same time, she draws attention to subjects that are overlooked in our society.
IN DISGUISE Vases - The origin of the ‘IN DISGUISE’ series lies within the housing system of Rotterdam. Having lived in houses that were on the list to be demolished, Jule Cats experienced the grief that comes with being forced to leave your home. With this project, she pays attention to a theme that's been overlooked in our society.
By combining concrete remains with polyester, she developed multiple handmade designs showing the beauty and emotional value of a waste product. This specific vase was made from rubble of demolished houses in Crooswijk, Rotterdam.
RISE Lights - The collection ‘RISE’ is based on the urge of holding on to memories. Sometimes letting go of the past is hard, but essential in order to move on and rise from the ashes. The design of this series derived from the previous collection ‘IN DISGUISE’, where Jule Cats paid attention to home demolition in Dutch cities. However, the ‘IN DISGUISE’ series contains a sense of grief and melancholy, whereas these lights reflect acceptation and hope.
SOLID Side Table - With her latest handmade design ‘SOLID’, Jule Cats closes the circle of emotions that comes with the grief of being forced to leave your home. The design is inspired by the realisation that every small step has led to the ultimate goal – a sense of belonging and strength. When looking at this design, if feels as if the heavy material is floating on the thin legs. But just like the feeling of confidence, this design is solid as a rock.
Collectible, Brussels, Espace Vanderborght (2018) - RISE Lights on show at a fair for collectible contemporary art and design.
Exhibition MINT Gallery London (2019)
Research (2020) - Experiments: creating new surfaces from waste materials.
Exhibition OBJECT Rotterdam - Works from collection, shown in 2020.
Memories Project (2020) - Transforming the remains of an old school into physical objects, capturing the memories.
