Merging Matter is a collaboration between maker-designers Natasja van der Meer and Marisa Klaster, united by their respect for handmade objects at the intersection of art and design. Their work explores the raw beauty of natural materials, emphasizing craftsmanship, sustainability, and storytelling. Merging Matter designs and crafts objects for its own collections and on commission, primarily working with local materials sourced from the client’s surroundings.
Elemental
A tableware collection that invites a deeper awareness of our connection to everyday objects. In an age of industrial uniformity, Merging Matter offers a return to authenticity. Crafted from local clay and wood, each piece tells a story of transformation, embodying the essence of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. The alchemy of earth to fire, from tree to table, from past to present. The contrast between rough, unrefined textures and smooth, polished surfaces reflects the balance between nature and human intervention — a reminder that the objects we use daily are shaped by nature’s continuous cycle, just as we are.
Royal Botanica
A jewelry collection celebrating the timeless bond between humanity, nature, and history. Designed for the Layers of Time exhibition at the Royal Dutch Palace, each wall necklace and totem is handcrafted using materials sourced from the estate’s gardens and forests. Wooden and porcelain beads create a link between past and present, honoring ancient traditions while highlighting the estate’s natural treasures.
Cairns
A playful collection of multifunctional sculptures inspired by the ancient tradition of stacking stones as markers in landscapes. Handmade from locally sourced wood and clay, each piece explores balance, form, and natural textures. Their modular design allows interaction, transforming sculptures into vases, lidded pots, or plates. Earthy tones and organic surfaces create a harmonious connection between material and space.
Terroir
A handcrafted tableware collection designed for Fundamental Restaurant, inspired by the relationship between food, place, and material. Each piece is structured and colored by natural elements unique to its terroir – such as sand from the North Sea and bleached maple — reflecting the landscapes they originate from. The collection enhances the dining experience by deepening the connection between craftsmanship and gastronomy.