Concrete-Project

Edition Five Feature
Interview with William Losleben
Location: Sultan, Washington, USA
Photo Credit: ©Kacey Randall @squatchshots & ©Alex Clarke @worldsofthemind

What is it that you do and how do you do it?

I call it concrete product design. I have three company directions, and the first is what you see on Etsy, which is my own line of homeware and furniture and smaller pieces that I sell directly to folks. Another segment of my business is the wholesale: there are a couple of companies that I make pieces for and that feels pretty good because I contribute to their business a little bit and vice versa. Then there are the larger surfaces and larger furniture pieces that I do – countertops, sinks and so on – which are typically custom commissions. 

The production process varies as making a countertop is very different to making a tray. But to take the tray as an example: first, I make a model of how the concrete piece will eventually look, and then I make a mould from that model, usually in silicone or rubber, which I can reuse multiple times. Within that mould is where I cast the concrete. I then let it sit for about 24 hours, depending on how warm it is outside; I might let it sit a bit longer in the wintertime. Once the concrete is cured, we sand and grind the edges and the back of the piece, we seal it, and then we package it and ship it off. 

Concrete is a little unpredictable, it’s very challenging, and it keeps me on my toes, which is something that I really enjoy. And every piece is unique and has its own character, which is fun. 

How did it all begin?

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