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Interview

Long-lasting & meaningful Creations

Artist Cathrine Raben Davidsen opened the doors to her new home and creative universe on Paper Island during 3daysofdesign celebrating authenticity, craftsmanship, and the beauty of imperfection.

Photographer:
Casper Sejersen
Credits:
Casper Sejersen
Credits:
Casper Sejersen
Interview

Long-lasting & meaningful Creations

Artist Cathrine Raben Davidsen opened the doors to her new home and creative universe on Paper Island during 3daysofdesign celebrating authenticity, craftsmanship, and the beauty of imperfection.

What are your thoughts on the theme "KEEP IT REAL"?

The theme KEEP IT REAL resonates deeply with me, especially in my approach to work as an artist. To me, it speaks to authenticity, the idea of staying true to one's vision, and the importance of craftsmanship. In a world where mass production often leads to uniformity, I aim to create work that is not only functional but also uniquely crafted, allowing each piece to retain its individuality. "Keeping it real" is about honouring the materials, traditions, and techniques that have shaped my journey as both an artist and designer, while staying honest in my creative DNA.

What does it mean to you, to keep it real?

For me,"keeping it real" means being true to my values, my roots, and my artistic identity. It is about rejecting superficiality and embracing authenticity in both the process and in the final work. I believe in the power of handmade craftsmanship, where imperfections are celebrated rather than hidden. Each of my ceramics, whether a lamp or a piece of tableware, has its own story and unique qualities, and that is what I value the most. It is important to me that my work reflects a genuine connection to the materials I use and the cultural and personal influences that inspire me.

How is your expression unique to you?

My expression is unique because it blends multiple aspects of who I am and my experiences. As a painter, I bring a certain aesthetic and understanding of color, form, and texture to my ceramics. My Scandinavian background instills a sense of minimalism and respect for nature, while my travels and personal experiences have expanded my language. What makes my work unique is its ability to balance function with artistic form—often blurring the boundaries between the two. The materials I use, like clay, stoneware, and porcelain, also contribute to a tactile, organic quality.

What do you think the world needs more of? And less of?

The world could certainly benefit from more authenticity and a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and sustainability. In a time when things are often mass-produced, the unique qualities of handmade work and the value of well-crafted, timeless pieces should be celebrated. We need less focus on disposable, trend-driven design and more on long-lasting, meaningful creations that connect us to the past while inspiring future generations.

Sustainable Design Effort
At 3daysofdesign, our commitment extends beyond showcasing the latest trends in interior design and furniture. We strive to facilitate meaningful discussions, debate, and actively contribute to pushing forward a more sustainable approach within the realm of interior design and furniture business. Join us in our mission to inspire positive change and promote a greener, more responsible future for the industry.

Events mentioned in this article

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Designers mentioned in this article

Cathrine Raben Davidsen
Born in Copenhagen, Cathrine Raben Davidsen holds an MFA from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, with further studies in Florence and The Hague. Her work is part of prestigious collections, including The National Gallery of Denmark and The New Carlsberg Foundation. Raben Davidsen has received several accolades, such as the Beckett Art Prize and the Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog. She is represented by Nilufar Gallery in Milan and The Future Perfect in the U.S. Known for her minimalist approach, Raben Davidsen blends organic forms with functionality in her ceramics, clay, stoneware, and porcelain works. She emphasises craftsmanship, sustainable design, and ethical production practices, creating timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces that honor both tradition and nature.

Exhibitors mentioned in this article

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Questions?

3daysofdesign is Denmark’s annual design festival, conceived as a platform to showcase and celebrate great design. It’s the opportunity to meet, network and be inspired by designs from local and global talent. The informal atmosphere welcomes people to engage directly with design brands at stunning locations all over Copenhagen.

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Since its inception in 2013, Signe Byrdal Terenziani has facilitated the growth of the design community in her role as Managing Director. It all began as a small design event held in an old warehouse in Nordhavn, a harbour area overlooking Copenhagen’s waterfront. Four Danish brands launched the event as a joint initiative: Montana, Erik Jørgensen (now owned by Fredericia Furniture), Anker & Co, and Kvadrat. At that time, Copenhagen lacked a proper design festival, since the previous annual furniture fair at Bella Center closed down some years before.

Today, the 3daysofdesign festival extends to the entire city of Copenhagen and is considered the most significant annual design festival in Scandinavia and Northern Europe.

Each year since its inception, 3daysofdesign has grown in popularity exponentially. In 2024, over 400 brands exhibited at the festival, where over 45.000 visitors could choose from as many as 500 events to attend in various design districts across Copenhagen, such as design talks, product launches, networking, etc.

3daysofdesign takes place every year in Copenhagen mainly in showrooms and galleries during June, Wednesday to Friday. In 2025 the festival will be held from 18 — 20 June 2025.

Pack your bags, book a hotel and come to Copenhagen! 3daysofdesign is open to the general public and everyone is invited to visit the showrooms, exhibitions, workshops and design talks. All events are free of charge.

Please check the programme, which is updated on an ongoing basis, at 3daysofdesign.dk

You can look forward to seeing cutting-edge concepts from new and established names in lifestyle, design, furniture and interior design. Get a preview of new product launches. Learn about upcoming trends on the horizon. Meet the players behind forward-thinking ideas worth knowing. And network with like-minded people with a passion for design.

It's easy to get around in Copenhagen.

Rent a bike, jump on the bus or metro, catch a boat or simply walk from venue to venue. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the architecture, restaurants, cafes, shops and Copenhagen's relaxed vibe by day and vibrant night life.

Absolutely! Don't forget to download our app on your Android or iPhone. It provides a comprehensive view of all the festival events, including a complete list of exhibitions along with their locations on our interactive 3daysofdesign map. Plus, you can use our free QR ticket system for easy access to everything the festival has to offer.

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