There are moments when art and technology meet in unexpected ways, creating a perfect synergy between creativity and functionality. My collaboration with Atelier, known for their handcrafted hearing aids, was one of those moments. Their search for visual content to accompany their innovation at the prestigious EUHA Congress opened the door to a collaboration rooted in precision and craftsmanship —shared values that both of us uphold.
Atelier’s products, particularly their In-the-ear (ITE/ITC) hearing aids, are defined by the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating each personalized device. As an artist who works with fine details, I immediately recognized the connection between their technology and my artistic expression. Atelier had already proposed several ideas, including an ear with musical notes, the hands of a craftsman, and their logo. After discussing technical possibilities, I suggested adjustments to ensure the concepts would be executed in the best possible way, considering the complexity and durability of the sculptures.
Ultimately, we selected three key motifs: one of their ITE/ITC hearing aid models, an ear with musical notes, and hands symbolizing craftsmanship. These motifs perfectly combined precision and creativity —qualities found in both their products and my artwork.
Atelier: The Art of Craftsmanship in the World of Hearing Aids
Atelier, a leading brand under AudioService, is more than just a hearing aid manufacturer – they are true masters of craftsmanship. Each of their In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids is handcrafted and custom-made to fit the unique needs of every individual, ensuring maximum precision, comfort, and discretion. Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: a blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. This is where precision becomes art.
Their devices are hand-fitted to perfection, tailored to the user’s specific needs—from the aesthetic design to the internal technology. This dedication to detail allows Atelier’s hearing aids to be not only functional but also seamlessly integrated into the user’s daily life.
Atelier’s work is deeply connected to craftsmanship, where each product is carefully made by skilled hands, much like my sculptures. This shared commitment to precision and customization became the perfect foundation for our collaboration.
Technical Challenges and Adjustments
When it came to the ear with musical notes, the challenge was to find a way to maintain the stability of the sculpture while keeping the design visually appealing. The notes had to be connected in a way that did not compromise the structure of the sculpture, while still conveying the message and idea we wanted to highlight.
For the hands of the craftsman, my goal was to capture a moment frozen in time—a moment of focus and precision. Every detail was important, from the lines on the palms to the nails, to ensure the hands told the story of the craftsmanship and attention that are characteristic of Atelier’s work.
The most demanding part was creating the sculpture of their ITE/ITC hearing aid. I had to capture every line of their design, all the curves, indentations, and fine details that define their product. During the process, some adjustments were necessary to ensure the sculpture was perfect, but in the end, they were satisfied with the final result.
Sculpting Process
I approached this project the same way I approach every piece—with precision and attention to detail. After creating the initial sketches, I carefully analyzed each part of the sculptures to determine which sections required special focus.
In the case of the ear with musical notes, I had to adapt the motif to convey the primary idea while maintaining the structural integrity of the sculpture. I approached the carving process with extra care to ensure that every detail was clearly defined, balancing aesthetics and durability.
Once the sculptures were completed and approved by the team at Atelier, I prepared them for photography. It was crucial to choose the right angle for each sculpture to capture the most detail and best convey the essence of the artwork in a single photograph.
Exhibition at the EUHA Congress
After completing the sculptures, they were exhibited at the 67th International EUHA Congress in Nuremberg. The sculptures were placed in glass display cases, carefully positioned to catch the attention of the visitors. Above them, photographs were displayed, showcasing close-up details of the sculptures, allowing the audience to fully appreciate each motif and its intricacies.
Alongside the exhibit, a video was shown that illustrated the process of my carving, offering the audience insight into how each sculpture came to life. This combination of sculptures, photographs, and video material allowed visitors to experience the full depth of the artwork and the precision required in its creation.
Conclusion and Reflection
This collaboration with Atelier provided an opportunity for my work to be presented in a different context, where art could engage with technology and industry. Each sculpture I created reflected a unique vision and attention to detail that is central to my work. This collaboration opened new perspectives and demonstrated how art can enrich different fields.