Christian Maidankine is a Toronto-based designer whose background in architecture and interest in making has led to an exploration with various materials, mostly leather. He is interested in volume, form and how we occupy spaces in our everyday lives. His work explores the material characteristics of leather, transforming it into an array of spatial or functional objects.
Articulated Hides will be on view in the gravitypope Toronto window from January 23 to February 1 at 1010 Queen Street W.
Join us to launch Christian's installation for DesignTO. Meet Christian, learn about his practise, enjoy refreshments and get first access to a limited edition selection of collaborative bags from Christian's brand MAIDANKINE.
Thursday, January 22, from 6:30 to 8:00 at gravitypope Toronto.
Photos by Storm Luu
How did you first get into designing and making?
I have always been interested in making things. I spent so much of my time asa kid creating worlds through drawing or clay. I’ve carried this exploration through design with me as I went into school for architecture. I really love the process of thinking of something, drawing it out, and physically making it. It gives me such intense satisfaction for it to become real. I have aphantasia - I cannot imagine scents, sounds, or visuals in my head. I have a very active mind and my design work is really the only way that I can see what is going on in my head - it’s really a process of externalizing what’s going on in there. At some point I became interested in making a leather bag, I couldn’t quite find one that I liked and thought it might be interesting to try making it myself. I was drawn to the physicality of leather craft, a process that requires focus, rigour, and to some level strength.
How would you describe what you make and your overall approach to design?
Whatever type of project, I always think about who I am designing for; their needs, their context, what they would like out of the work. How will it affect their everyday lives? How can I design something that will encourage people to slow down and focus on the present moment? I am drawn to work that grounds me, something that can pull me out of the rush of life to chill for a moment.
My aim with my leatherwork is to celebrate the material and qualities. It is strong, durable, and natural, but one of my favourite aspects is that it ages. It darkens, stains, forms a glossy patina with wear - it goes through life along with us. I just adore that. It shows how much someone loves their piece.
Can you tell us about how your work intersects with fashion and what inspired you to create bags?
A lot of my leatherwork are pieces that people carry on them, they become accessories to their owner’s life while still remaining functional. Everyone wears clothes and carries things, but we use what we wear as a way to express ourselves. I’ve always been a collector of tote bags but at some point I wanted something more substantial, a bag that would be a timeless piece I keep with me. Leather is the perfect material to create something like that.
What’s something people are usually surprised to learn about how your work is made?
People often find it surprising that I make all of my work entirely by hand. Idesign and make each piece without the use of machines. Sketched, cut, gluedand all stitched by me, each piece takes hours to complete.
Are there certain neighbourhoods, studios, or places in Toronto that feel especially important to you?
I love spending time in High Park. Every time I go, I’m surprised by how this place exists in the city, such a variety of environments surrounded by built for mon four sides. I go to unwind and clear my head, looking out for wildlife or spending time in the pool.
Who or what in the city keeps you inspired right now?
I have been loving my time as an artist-in-residence at Harbour front Centre.Being around the other artists has been great, I’m inspired whenever I see them at work. We engage with one another, often collaborating on pieces, and have grown a little community.
What are some of your favourite restaurants, cafes, or places to visit in Toronto?
Whenever I’m craving a sweet treat I’ll always make my way to Bakerbots.
What are you curious about exploring next? In design, art or fashion?
This year for DesignTO is really my first step at exploring larger scale work. I have always been interested in exploring leather in more sculptural and spatial forms, and I will definitely continue to do so. I’m sure that ‘Articulated Hides’ will be a first of many iterations.
I would also like to test out some wearable pieces other than bags. I’ve done some samples of ties, hats, belts, and aprons and would love to continue.
