TheHouseDirectory meets five artists from DKT Artworks to discuss their craft and to gain an insight into some of their projects
DKT Artworks was established in 1979 by three arts graduates and today it represents a unique multidisciplinary team of 40 artists from over 15 countries. With studios in London and Prague, DKT specialises in the design and production of high-end bespoke decorative finishes and site-specific artworks.
Image: Stylised, hand-carved staircase bas relief. Photography by James Silverman. Interior design by Rene Dekker / SHH Architects By combining both dedication and traditional craftmanship with the desire to push creative boundaries, DKT Artworks works closely with clients, allowing truly original ideas to flourish. Approaching each project individually, considering the specific requirements of the designer or client, DKT’s artists can work from a firm creative brief or collaborate in the concept development.
Nasser Teymourpour
Graduate in Industrial Design and MA in Stage Design. Experience in design, media and photography and as a conceptual artist. As well as working as an artist for DKT, Nasser had five solo exhibitions and has been involved in more than 20 group shows.
What skills and finishes are you specialised in?
I’m specialised in sculpture, carving and photography.
What is your most memorable project and why?
The most memorable project I was involved with was a giant abstract carving for a superyacht: the largest carving I have ever created.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in the hidden or unusual aspects of nature.
Image: Volcan III artwork, hand-textured clay, cast in liquid metal and highlighted with gold leaf, currently on display at London’s John Cullen Lighting studioWhat are you working on now?
I am working on samples for wall-mounted artworks. They need to be abstract and at the same time, complement a nature-inspired theme.
Moien Tayari
BS in Computer Science and worked for a number of years in this field. Iran is Moien’s country of birth, where he worked for Iranian Cultural Heritage as well as in farming. Joined DKT in 2015 upon returning to the UK.
What skills and finishes are you specialised in?
I specialise in gilding. I like working with gilt-leaf to see how it makes surfaces look so different and special.
What is your most memorable project and why?
It was an original verre églomisé artwork featuring a bay leaf design. As well as being very technically complex, it was a team effort, which was well managed and implemented perfectly, like a conveyor belt, from painting to gilding.
Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration always comes from the people you work with, as well as all those with whom you share experiences.
Image: Hand-painted water lilies on laminated glass with mesh backing and 22ct gold leafWhat are you working on now?
I’m gilding a big glass panel for a UK based residential project.
Mike Ritzema
Studied at the Slade School of Fine Art (London) and Hunter College (NYC). Mike spent many years working for internationally recognised artists on both sides of the Atlantic before joining DKT in 2007.
What skills and finishes are you specialised in?
I specialise in traditional oil painting and bas-relief carving.
What is your most memorable project and why?
I remember working on a superyacht project. What made this project stand out was the number of craftspeople involved from all over the world with diverse skills. The vibe was very pleasant and relaxed despite the complexity of the project.
Where do you find inspiration?
Contemporary art.
Image: Hand-carved metallised bas-relief, cast in lightweight material What are you working on now?
I’m involved in the carving of a multi-storey bas-relief for a staircase.
Lewis Sampson
Studied at Wimbledon School of Art and University of Brighton. Worked at DKT since 2010 on a wide range of projects from the London studio and has also undertaken work in Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Monaco.
What skills and finishes are you specialised in?
I specialise in paint finishes, murals, digital design and carving.
What is your most memorable project and why?
I was involved in a particularly memorable project in late 2019. We engineered an installation for a private residence made of 250 mirrored glass pieces. Another memory relates to a group of realist still-life paintings we created for a private jet.
Where do you find inspiration?
The starting point for each project is a brief from the designer, so it varies with every project. Regarding painting styles, I like Yigal Ozeri, Chuck Close and art going right back to the Dutch masters.
Image: Sea life inspired hand-painted muralWhat are you working on now?
I’m currently involved in a mural project, painting panels which will eventually be installed in a beautiful property in the countryside. I can’t wait to go on site to add the final touches!
Peter Mundee
Studied illustration at Brighton University (BA hons) and MA Illustration at Central St Martins. Joined DKT in 2007, working in sculpture, bas-relief carving and specialist surface finishes.
What skills and finishes are you specialised in?
A technique called bas-relief carving, sculpture, project design and specialist decorative finishes employing a range of media.
What is your most memorable project and why?
Definitely working on a range of finishes for a 123m superyacht, a project which was unique, challenging and fulfilling.
Where do you find inspiration?
The natural world is a constant inspiration: you just need to properly look at it.
Image: Inspired by sea coral, this bespoke sculpture is hand-carved and then gilded with gold leafWhat are you working on now?
I am currently working on a variety of sculptures and artworks for a very exclusive superyacht project. As always, names are super confidential!
DKT Artworks operates across many sectors, from high-end residential and exclusive superyacht projects to luxury hospitality and corporate developments.
Image: Hand-carved bas-relief artwork, alabaster finish. Detail of residential a project for Winch DesignDKT work across a wide spectrum of styles, techniques and materials to provide innovative solutions and bespoke artworks for wide-ranging projects. Artists’ skills include bas-relief, sculpture, hand-crafted mosaics, murals, trompe l’oeil, paint finishes and polished plaster, gilding, verre églomisé and antiqued mirrored finishes.
Website: www.dkt.co.uk
Social Media:
Instagram: @dkt_artworks
Twitter: @dkt_artworks
Facebook: @DKTArtworks
LinkedIn: @dktartworks
Click here to read more inspiring and informative blog posts from our members.
Subscribe to be the first to receive TheHouseDirectory.com’s monthly blogs and design news.
DKT have worked with these plasters since the late 80s and developed a distinctive range of finishes.
Glaze To cover a surface with a layer of semi-transparent colour to modify the underlying tones or colours.