Christine Goosen | Jacobs Collection
Fine art | Bold lines...
© Christine Goosen, Jacobs Collection
Christine Goosen is an incredibly down-to-earth woman considering her ambition and extraordinary design talent. She’s petite in stature, but powerful and charismatic in her character. Coming from a background in Fine Art, she has a wonderful ability to reimagine the use of line into functional forms and aesthetically pleasing products.
Jacobs Collection products always catch the eye and stand out from the crowd. Curves are balanced with straight lines, soft textures compliment steel and glass accents and brass elements elevate Christine’s furniture to a sophisticated level. Incorporating Limesite into the Wolkberg X Jacobs Collection collaborative pieces was the seamless extension of her understanding of materials.
We collaborated with Christine on three furniture pieces, the Serala Drinks Cabinet, “The Nook” Bench and the Fyn Planter range. We created contemporary statement pieces suitable for practical, everyday use without losing style. Both Wolkberg and Jacobs Collection thrive on products designed to serve a purpose whilst remaining striking and timeless.
Living and working on a farm in Franschoek, Christine embodies what it means to be a story-teller in South Africa’s current design world. The recent launch of her Wool Ombre Series on her Hoop Chair and Sofa is testament to her pursuit for more sustainable sourcing. The Jacobs family has been farming sheep for more than 7 generations and by creating a need for their wool she is ensuring the longevity of their livelihood and the community they support by extending their ability to produce from a single flock.
Christine is building a clientele who is conscious - providing a traceable link and creating an understanding between products, manufacturing, crafting and farming. A wonderful ally and we are proud to call her a Wolkberg Woman.
We asked this wonder woman to tell us a little more about herself and how she sees herself as a woman in this world.
What three words best describe you?
Courageous, dynamic and true or at least I try to be.
What is success to you?
Success to me is living a happy fulfilled life without any regrets.
What in your life has brought or given you the greatest satisfaction or fulfillment? Looking back, what would you have done differently? What would you do again?
I think my very first design was a huge milestone. Not only because it showed me that you can make your dreams a reality but also to endure conquers the fear of failure.
What would you say to the younger you and other younger females out there about life?
If you want to do something don’t wait. Go out and do it.
What does it mean to you, to be a woman in the part of the world and society you live in?
I think women are the drive force behind everyday life. Women all around me have to be able to wear more than one hat and for full many roles. They are mothers, wives, caretakers, workers and a boss all in a day.
What role or impact would you like to play in relation to women's rights, today?
I believe that one can only lead by example therefore I hope to make the industry more accessible for women in the future.
Whose work do you currently admire most in relation to design/fabrication?
Ray Eames will always be a big inspiration. She conquered the furniture design industry back in the 1950’s and I still see her designs when I open the latest decor magazine. Great design should outlive trends.
© Christine Goosen, Jacobs Collection Bow Cabinet
What challenges do you see impacting the industry?
There is still a lot of male dominance in the fabrication side. I would love to see more women equipped with skills to enter the fabrication world.
What do you do for encouragement or to stay motivated?
Family and friends are a massive support to me. I also enjoy my morning routine of coffee and a hike with my pup. It helps to clear your head before your day starts.
Any cool podcasts/books/series/movies you’re currently inspired by?
I think I am most inspired by my surroundings and everyday life for design. I try to make everyday objects innovative and functional. In my down time currently, I love watching Stranger Things!
What meet ups, local entrepreneur events, and accelerators do you recommend that have helped you grow?
Design Indaba’s Emerging Creative Platform is great! I would also recommend 100% Design South Africa for young designers to launch and establish themselves within the local market.
© Christine Goosen, Jacobs Collection "Wool Ombre Series" Hoop Chair
What is the best advice you have ever been given in business, and who gave it to you?
My Father-in-Law said to me in the beginning of my creative journey: “Go out, try it - and if you fail it’s not the end of the world. Just try again.” If I really wanted to be a furniture designer I would have to be resilient and grow a thick skin.