Statement
Mehdi Mashayekhi is a designer and maker whose work operates at the intersection of craftsmanship and innovation. With a strong focus on material research, he explores the potential of natural materials—primarily wood—through contemporary techniques. For Mashayekhi, materiality is more than a structural component; it serves as a narrative tool that translates social and cultural themes into tangible objects and immersive spatial experiences.
With a background in both chemistry and design, his practice blends traditional craftsmanship with experimental processes, pushing the boundaries of material applications. His sculptural installations and collectible design objects investigate the tension between permanence and transformation, between precise control and the organic unpredictability of natural processes.
Light plays a fundamental role in his work—not only as a physical phenomenon but as a conceptual element that embodies duality, transformation, and spirituality. In recent projects, such as the Red Cedar totem installation and his experiments with molten glass poured into wooden molds, Mashayekhi explores how light and shadow contribute to the perception and meaning of an object.
Bridging the worlds of autonomous and applied art, his practice is deeply rooted in material-driven storytelling and social context. He views design as a dynamic discipline—one that challenges conventions, redefines craftsmanship, and opens new dialogues on sustainability and innovation.
Biography
Mehdi Mashayekhi (1988) was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. He studied Applied Chemistry before migrating to the Netherlands, where he pursued Design/Vormgeving at ArtEZ University of the Arts in Arnhem. After graduating, he established his practice in 2020, focusing on the creation of narrative wooden objects that bridge craftsmanship and contemporary design.
With a deep interest in material development, Mashayekhi works primarily with natural materials such as wood, often incorporating advanced techniques to push the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. His work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, reflecting a dedication to innovation and storytelling through form and material.
His studio is based in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, where he continues to develop collectible design pieces and sculptural objects that explore the expressive potential of wood and other natural elements.
photo by Masha Bakker
