Maker's Story

Celine graduated in 1990 from St. Joost University of the Arts in Breda, where she specialised in Sculpture. A few years later, in 1993, she trained as a plumber and went on to work on monumental buildings in Amsterdam throughout 1994 and 1995.

In the years that followed, Celine became the mother of five children. While raising her family, she continued to explore and express herself through various artistic disciplines. Her creative journey led her to the Wood and Furniture College in Amsterdam, where she graduated in 2015 with a focus on Upholstery.

Energetically enthusiastic, Vivolli designs interior objects that originate from Passion.
Passion for life; Passion for Beauty.
Passion that lifts the interior and makes it brighten.

The Process

Celine, the owner of Vivolli, strives to take upholstery beyond the ordinary, focusing on both form and function and visualizing it in 3D. Her aim is to elevate upholstery to new levels. Whenever she receives a commission, she discusses the client’s desires while also seeking the freedom to interpret those wishes into something that reflects both the client and her own creative vision. She expresses herself through form and colour. Whether starting with an existing piece to recreate it into something new or beginning from scratch, she develops a vision where the basic form gains a new identity through the playful use of colours. She is passionate about creating usable art.

Celine’s work is characterized by bold use of colour, treating it as a statement. To her, colour is a choice. As children, people are often asked about their favourite colour—something that forms part of their identity and a way to stand out. Her pieces are designed to be noticed, to make a statement. She explores maximum contrast, using colours that strengthen and complement one another.

Her work draws inspiration from life itself and a deep love of visual arts, finding ideas from the most ordinary aspects of life. Initially trained as a sculptor, Celine practiced art in many forms, which enables her to blend various artistic disciplines. Her ability to create visual art found a new outlet when she discovered upholstery.

The transformation of a two-dimensional piece of fabric into a three-dimensional shape fascinates her. She does not see art as something made for eternity; rather, she values the combination of beauty and practicality. To her, creating meaningful, everyday objects designed to be used—rather than simply observed—is truly inspiring.

Products

Q&A

What motivates you to make?

Working with shapes and colours to create something unexpected out of fabric. Fabric is a very tactile medium that can be manipulated into many different shapes. Looking beyond the obvious and pushing the boundaries of what can be done with fabric is what turns me on.

What and/or who are you most inspired or influenced by?

My work is inspired by life itself combined with my love of visual arts.
Inspiration comes from every corner of life, from ordinary sources.
Finding meaning from everyday life and putting this into everyday objects, designed to be used is what inspires me.

What is your unique approach to your craft and how have you honed your skills?

I try to take uphostery beyond the ordinary. I look at both the form and the function and visualize it in 3D. Trying to take it to new levels.

What is your defining or proudest moment as a maker so far?

I think, to be asked out of the blue to participate in Venice design week.

What is your dream project?

In my wildest dreams this would be a retrospective of my work in a museum.