Artefactory: Creating breathtaking outdoor sculptures through innovative manufacturing processes

Over centuries, art has continuously had a large impact on civilization, culture, education, and so much more, while evidently being one of the most beautiful forms of showcasing artistic abilities and adding beauty through design. Art has taken various forms since the beginning of time, telling stories, expressing feelings, and showcasing reality.

In the happiest and saddest of times, art has held its ground for being one of the most soothing experiences. The story of Artefactory had a similar beginning; in 2020, during the pandemic, Bettina Conze discovered the magical harmony and connection between art and nature and decided to build a company that brought high-quality, inspiring, innovative, and most importantly, affordable art to a much larger audience.

CIO Bulletin had the opportunity to speak with her and talk about Artefactory and its innovative journey.

Q. What led you to set up Artefactory? How has your extensive experience in interior design translated to creating bespoke works of art?

Artefactory is a child of the pandemic. In 2020, after being in lockdown for months in Germany, I finally found the solitude, calm, and reflection to kick off my long-held vision of founding a company for the design and production of my sculptures. It was the next logical step in a creative development that spanned more than two decades of working in real estate development, interior design, landscape design, and a strong passion for art.

Q. How does Artefactory make museum quality, yet affordable sculptures? Isn’t that a little paradoxical in nature?

Not at all. Museum quality art means very high standards artistically and in terms of craftsmanship. Usually that comes with a price tag to match as these works are unique pieces. We follow the same design process and principles. Through the combination of conventional and high tech additive manufacturing processes we are able to produce a limited edition of e.g. 200 pieces which allows us to optimize economics and sustainability. Consequently we can offer our statues for a fraction of the price of an individual piece. Yet each piece has its own ‚fingerprint ‘as it is finished by a highly skilled specialist.

Q. Can you briefly explain the innovative methodology Artefactory employs in creating its handcrafted sculptures?

For our statues, we use a core of high-tech materials focusing on sustainability and the most advanced manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing. Once that step is finished, it is then coated by hand, layer by layer, with bronze, copper, iron, etc., by a highly skilled specialist. This phase takes a lot of know-how, expertise, and several days of work.

Q. Why is each of Artefactory’s designs limited to 200 pieces? What is the reason for this?

Our customers still want to have an exclusive, handcrafted piece of art, not a mass-market product. That is why our designs are limited editions with a serial number. We try to accommodate special wishes in numbers, such as birthdays or lucky numbers, whenever possible.

Q. What role does innovation play within Artefactory? How committed is the company to creating a culture of innovation?

I wouldn‘t be doing things the way I do without being totally committed to a culture of innovation. For me there is no contradiction between beauty, aesthetics, science, commerce and innovation. I began my career studying business, economics and psychology and worked in FMCG for 10 years as a consultant and marketer. The combination of all these things fascinates me the most.

Q. What is the philosophy behind the art created at Artefactory? How did the company arrive at its current art philosophy?

As I mentioned earlier, Artefactory was born in the pandemic. Apart from all the tragedy, the pandemic was a real wake-up call and catalyst that pointed out the weaknesses of an old and inert system. It showed how everything is connected. Climate change, the environment, poverty, access to health care, financial markets — everything is closely linked. It might sound strange to speak about art in this context, but no matter what we do, we have to manage our resources in a multilayered and different way. Entrepreneurs, consumers, and politicians should all strive to create new economic models in harmony with nature. We are a long way from home.

Q. Of the current product line-up at Artefactory, do you have a personal favorite? Why is it your personal favorite?

They all are. I love the drop though with the Bob Marley quote: “Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.” Think about it, the flow of liquids is one of the most complex, beautiful and amazing things in physics. Water only takes on this perfect shape of a drop in free fall from one state to another. It‘s on the move. It represents life in a lot of ways; our life is constantly changing, with many things we cannot control. It is what we make of the change and uncertainty that defines us, whether we see the divine beauty, opportunity and humor in it. I love the philosophic approach to life with a twinkle in the eye, to splash or not to splash is the question.

The name of the current collection is ‘What matters in life’. It is a marriage of art and philosophy. Both art and nature have a proven and powerful beneficial impact on people. It can either be the start of a communication between strangers or the source of quiet self-reflection. There are numerous studies showing how positively art affects people neurologically. So does nature. You see, it is all linked.

Q. What are Artefactory’s plans for the future?

We are on a journey that is just beginning. The fascinating dynamic between architecture and art has always been that architecture at its purest form has a clearly defined function: to provide shelter from the elements. Only in a secondary sense is there the need to differentiate, to express status, and to use symbolism. Art, on the other hand, is exactly the opposite: creating an object that has no functional use is the very definition of humanity — a pure concept of beauty and aesthetics. We live in challenging times. Surrounding yourself with beautiful things is balm for the soul — a break from function and targeted efficiency.

In early 2024, Artefactory is going to launch a collection that will combine art with function. It will be balm for the soul and balm for the body.

A brief biography of the founder

Bettina Conze is the founder of Artefactory. She was born in Bonn, Germany, and always had a passion for art and architecture. Holding an MBA from the University of Cologne, she pursued a career in marketing and consulting internationally. In 1999, she decided to follow her passion and studied interior design, using it to develop real estate projects fusing houses and gardens into sophisticated, relaxed, and artful homes.

She lived with her family in various countries in Asia, Europe, and America for over 20 years.