The texture and finish of surfaces profoundly shape how objects are perceived. Black surfaces especially lure in the spectator’s eye with their high contrast to light when shiny and completely obscure any perception of depth when matte. The Romans had a nuanced vocabulary to capture the diversity of black pigments. Over time, these linguistic distinctions faded, and modern languages reduced “black” to a single term, losing much of its richness. to surface rediscovers and highlights the richness of black.

Equally, the project is a commitment to resurfacing the connection between design and craft. In a world where efficiency often overrides individuality, this approach brings sensitivity and intentionality back to the forefront. By working hands-on with a material or in direct exchange with a highly knowledgeable artisan, to surface embraces the slower and more intentional nature of manual processes.