Lighting the way to a new venture
AN artistic Tees Valley duo have unveiled the innovative lighting made from recycled plastic bottles that has won them DigitalCity sponsorship.
The colourful eco-designs by Joanne Riddle, from Stockton, and Ondrej Lewis, from Redcar, have been wowing the art world since the pair graduated from Teesside University in September.
As Energy Saving Week (October 20-26) continues, they are exhibiting their striking designs in the North Tower of Newcastle’s Tyne Bridge ahead of the launch of their new business venture - Ateliero - in January.
The designers are currently undergoing an intensive business programme to develop their bespoke products, working with DigitalCity industry specialists, after winning an £8,000 creative fellowship grant. The awards scheme, co-ordinated by the university, Middlesbrough Council and regional development agency One NorthEast, gives entrepreneurs a chance to explore their ideas.
A patented way of colouring the plastics - PET soft drink bottles and HDPE milk cartons - gives Ateliero’s creations their unique design edge. The installations have been featured in Design Week magazine and were recently showcased at New Designers, Islington and 100% Design at Earl’s Court. The installations will be on show at the Tyne Bridge until Sunday.
Joanne, 32, said their work tapped into the emerging trend for sustainable design using reclaimed materials.
“We realised we needed to start thinking carefully about design and find a way to re-use materials and make something beautiful out of items that otherwise would go to landfill.”
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