I am Imke Ganteför. As a saddler and metal designer, I deal artistically with the subject of vessels and the cultural interaction between humans and their artificial environment.
Photo: Detlef Albrecht
I live and work in Hildesheim. Here I have my workshop - a place where ideas are created and implemented, both by myself, and in exchange with others.
While working as an equestrian saddler, and through further training as a “designer in crafts”, I came into contact with other craftspeople and new materials. I was inspired by craftsmanship, art and design, so I decided to study metal design.
The perception of objects
It is composed of the sensation of the real object via our senses and the possibilities derived from this, for dealing with it.
What and how a person perceives is subjective, and depends on the respective context in which the person and the object are located.
Which perceptual offers do my objects provide?
Handling / Use
Objects signal certain possibilities to handle them. Which possibilities are recognized depends on the subjective perception of the person. They can thus be used individually, but also contain experiences of action and routines of use.
Which possibilities of interaction are offered in the object?
Meaning
Objects have meaning because humans ascribe meaning to them. Meanings are not static, they can change historically. An object can acquire personal meaning as a carrier of emotional values or contain cultural or social messages in the form of signs and symbols.
With which meanings and contexts are objects associated?
Photo: Lara Köhler
In connection with the topic "Material Culture" I am interested in the mutual relationship between humans and objects. Currently, the object group of vessels is the subject of my work.
For the future I strive for a stronger alienation within the object and a reduction to possibilities of use, in order to shape in this way the cultural interaction of humans with their artificial environment.
Photo: Michael Szczygielski
Handheld vessel made of leather