Jiri Krejcirik

Jiri Krejcirik
Czech Republic
Born in 1989
Based in Prague

His practice embraces a broad spectrum of disciplines and methods – it transcends the barriers between art and design, from product design through furniture, lighting, glass, interior and spatial design. Whether designing for a client or developing his own self-initiated projects or gallery objects, he always applies the same thorough attention to context, process and detail. As a result, his entire portfolio is characterised by a coherent visual language threading the historical and the cultural through a contemporary lens – with an unexpected edge. Embracing a tradition of craftsmanship, each product is hand-crafted locally, in the Czech Republic, produced in a limited series and being displayed only in meticulously chosen galleries and design showrooms in Europe.

At what age did you start being a Designer/Crafter/Artist? From a very young age I was passionate about drawing. I used to draw most of my free time. So, it was clear to go to study art high school. However, since no one from my family is an artist I was pursuated to choose a more practical discipline than fine arts. Therefore, I went to study furniture design and furniture production at high school. After those four years I started being tired of working only with one material (wood) and so for my university studies, I applied for a master degree in product design. During my studies I was still really into fine arts. However, back then I couldn’t find a way how to connect fine arts and design. I like traveling, discovering new cultures and perspectives. It really influenced me to pursue a study internship at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, where I spent six months in 2013-2014.
How do you begin one of your works? Usually, my inspiration comes from everyday objects and situations, which surround me. I am a big fan of architecture and cultural heritage in general. I am observing details and elements I stumble upon. These observations are transformed into impressions and impulses, which I then materialize in my projects.

Do any other people help you to create your works or do you do everything by yourself? I am doing the whole creative process on my own. However, I cooperate with the best craftmen from different places around the Czech Republic, who materialize my ideas in various materials such as wood, metal, stone, glass and others. Each product is carefully and locally hand-crafted in the Czech Republic, often in limited series.
How do you choose the name of your works? With the majority of my projects being based on a strong concept, the naming process evolves organically together with the work itself.
In your projects, what does your Design dialogue with? i.e. painting, sculpture, graphic design, digital… In the right context, my design objects aspire to create a dialogue with any other medium. I am trying to create objects, which have authenticity; authenticity of self-expression. I am a big fan of history of art and architecture. My work is characterized by a coherent visual language threading the historical and the cultural through contemporary lens. Often, my furniture, lighting or glass objects are freely referencing or inspired by a certain period or a personality from the past.

How would you place your works in a set house/ office/ hotel? I truly enjoy to cooperate with architects, discussing the best possible set-up for their projects, as well as designing bespoke pieces for their projects, so there is the best possible fit.
Are any of your works at your home? Yes, my flat is actually full of my furniture, lighting and glass objects.
If you had the opportunity to place one of your pieces in a public or private place/ home/ location, where would you place it? I would love to see my pieces in any one of Carlo Scarpa’s realizations.
What is the most beautiful home you have ever seen? The house of the Danish designer Finn Juhl in Ordrup, near by Copenhagen.
A work of another Designer that you would have like to do? The Chieftain Chair by Finn Juhl, which he designed in 1949.

A Designer that you would like to be the creator of one of your pieces? Josip Plečnik.
If you weren’t a Designer, what would your work be? I would like to be a film director.
What Designer (even from the past) would you be keen to know? I would have loved to meet Ettore Sottsass. He had such a colourful and creative mind.
The anecdote with Rossana that you will never forget? The very first moment we met in Prague in 2019. Back then, I was one of the selected designers, who had a chance to exhibit at the beautiful spaces of the Lapidary of the National Museum in Prague. Immediately after the collectors’ preview Rossana came to me, introduced herself and pointed to my sculptural coffee tables. She said that tables were wonderful and invited me to exhibit them at Milan Design Week in her gallery. Of course, I said yes, to which she only replied “OK, deal”. A few months later I was shipping my tables to Milan. Everything was so quick.

Your favorite city? Paris.
A trip that you would like to take? I have never been to Japan. I would love to discover that part of the world.
A trip you never wanted to take? Not sure there is such a place… I am very curious to discover all possible parts of the world.
The question no-one has ever asked you, but you wish someone would ask you? What was the most interesting discussion you have ever had with your parents?