WHY WE LOVE SLOW DESIGN

Encrudo Vases

Let us count the ways... But first, what exactly is slow design? Let's start with design itself. There are six principles of design:

1. Balance
2. Contrast
3. Emphasis
4. Repetition + Rhythm
5. Harmony
6. Scale + Proportion

These design principles are simple but they're the foundation of all good design, be it fashion, interiors, or slow design. And to be truthful, slow design isn’t a new movement; it’s been around for centuries, but the current generations seem to have discarded it for ‘fast’ design trends. Fast design + fast production = more sales and poor quality. It may cost you less, but how long before it breaks, or loses its lustre or you get tired of it because now everyone has one? 

Cara Larga raw cotton textiles
Treana visits Artisan
Earthenware Wall Hanging | XXV-I Wall Hangings
Earthenware Wall Hanging | XXV-I Wall Hangings
Earthenware Wall Hanging | XXV-I Wall Hangings
Earthenware Wall Hanging | XXV-I Wall Hangings

Earthenware Wall Hanging | XXV-I

$2,595.00
Earthenware Wall Hanging | XXV-II Wall Hangings
Earthenware Wall Hanging | XXV-II Wall Hangings
Earthenware Wall Hanging | XXV-II Wall Hangings
Earthenware Wall Hanging | XXV-II Wall Hangings

Earthenware Wall Hanging | XXV-II

$3,295.00

Sustainable and Ethical

Slow design is thoughtful design. It is considerate. It considers the environment, the sustainability factor, and the final user. Yes, it takes you into consideration. This is the thing. Not only do sustainable, ethical products created with slow design benefit the creator and their surroundings, but they benefit the consumer in so many ways. We’ve all heard of better living through design. Now we have much better living through slow design.

Potters of Uganda
Potters of Uganda Working
Treana visits Artisan

Feng Shui is Slow Design

The Chinese practice of Feng Shui is slow design. And you can see it in the six design principles above. Look at number 1, balance. The Yin and Yang. Or number 2, contrast. Again, Yin and Yang (opposing but complementary forces that cannot be separated). The Chinese have been using Feng Shui in their homes – and to design their towns for over 4,000 years. When something has been around that long, you know it works.

Slow design is intentional design. It’s taking the time to choose the raw material. Making sure the choice is sustainable and making sure that the process is fair to every artisan involved in the creation of the piece. It leads to slow production, which is often dependent on weather, harvest cycles and customs. 

Portrait of Artisan in Mali
Earthenware Bowl | M - Pots & Planters by Akiliba | Obakki
Earthenware Bowl | M - Pots & Planters by Akiliba | Obakki
Earthenware Bowl | M - Pots & Planters by Akiliba | Obakki
Earthenware Bowl | M - Pots & Planters by Akiliba | Obakki
Earthenware Bowl | M - Pots & Planters by Akiliba | Obakki
Earthenware Bowl | M - Pots & Planters by Akiliba | Obakki

Earthenware Bowl | M

$62.50
Rounded Earthenware Bowl | L - Pots & Planters by Akiliba | Obakki
Rounded Earthenware Bowl | L - Pots & Planters by Akiliba | Obakki
Rounded Earthenware Bowl | L - Pots & Planters by Akiliba | Obakki
Rounded Earthenware Bowl | L - Pots & Planters by Akiliba | Obakki
Rounded Earthenware Bowl | L - Pots & Planters by Akiliba | Obakki
Rounded Earthenware Bowl | L - Pots & Planters by Akiliba | Obakki

Rounded Earthenware Bowl | L

$72.50

Organic and Harmonious 

Slow design is personal. There is emphasis on the creation process and on the end user. The process is organic and harmonious and in proportion with all that surrounds it. The artisan cares about your relationship with their pieces. They don’t just design a piece based on the buyers’ specifications and hand it in and design another one. They put their souls into their creations from the very initial design. Along with our artisans, we hope that the intention interwoven into the pieces – from start to finish – will foster a deep appreciation for slow design.

SHOP OUR COLLECTION OF SLOW MADE PRODUCTS

Kayuragi Sandalwood Incense Incense
Kayuragi Sandalwood Incense Incense
Kayuragi Sandalwood Incense - Incense by Nippon Kodo | Obakki
Kayuragi Sandalwood Incense - Incense by Nippon Kodo | Obakki
Kayuragi Sandalwood Incense - Incense by Nippon Kodo | Obakki
Kayuragi Sandalwood Incense - Incense by Nippon Kodo | Obakki

Kayuragi Sandalwood Incense

$24.00
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware EnCrudo Obakki
Wave Dinner Plate Serveware

Wave Dinner Plate

$90.00
Pillar Candle Set of 2 | Lavender Green Candles
Pillar Candle Set of 2 | Lavender Green Candles
Pillar Candle Set of 2 | Lavender Green Candles
Pillar Candle Set of 2 | Lavender Green Candles Tanya Gabrielle Obakki
Pillar Candle Set of 2 | Lavender Green Candles Tanya Gabrielle Obakki

Pillar Candle Set of 2 | Lavender Green

$55.00
Obakki Travel Candles | Set of 3 Candles Joya Obakki
Obakki Travel Candles | Set of 3 Candles Joya Obakki
Obakki Travel Candles | Set of 3 Candles Joya Obakki
Obakki Travel Candles | Set of 3 Candles Joya Obakki

Obakki Travel Candles | Set of 3

$110.00

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