Erik Sijmons

Sculptor | Exploring Form, Light & Spatial Resonance | Creator of Iconic Design for Samsonite

Oudenaarde, Flemish Region, Belgium

About

“Good design should appeal the consumer, improve their lives and change the world.” — Erik Sijmons For decades, I shaped objects that travelled the world. As European Design Director at Samsonite, I led and designed more than 38 commercially successful collections. Among them, the award-winning Cosmolite — Red Dot Best of the Best 2010 — which became the iconic C-Lite and remains a global benchmark in luggage design. In 2020 I received the HVDV lifetime achievement Gold Award for having an impact on economy and society worldwide for my Design & Innovation approach Yet beyond performance and commercial impact, a deeper fascination always guided me: the silent power of proportion, the emotional resonance of curvature, the poetry of pure form. Today, in my autonomous sculptural work, that vision unfolds without functional constraints. From my studio in the Flemish Ardennes, I operate in the in-between space — between the precision of industrial design and the freedom of art, between mathematical clarity and cosmic infinity. My sculptures explore ellipses, spirals and infinite geometries. They investigate how form interacts with light, space and human perception. Where design once served function, form now reveals presence. I create works for both private collectors and public environments. Each project emerges in dialogue with its context — architectural, spatial, cultural — while I retain full authorship of the final visual interpretation. Working with advanced 3D modelling, sustainable polymers and monumental stainless steel constructions, I produce globally numbered works that reflect both artistic integrity and long-term presence. My journey connects iconic design with spatial art. Shape of Infinity is not only an exhibition title. It is a lifelong exploration.

Experience

  • Design Artist at ES Design in Art
    Feb 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mos

  • Samsonite (Full-time · 38 yrs 2 mos)
    • Senior Design Director
      Apr 2017 - Feb 2024 · 6 yrs 11 mos

    • Design Director
      Apr 2015 - Apr 2017 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    • Senior Design Manager
      Jan 2014 - Apr 2015 · 1 yr 4 mos

  • Designer at IPA automotive design and developement
    Jan 1985 - Jan 1986 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Designer at Don-Bar
    Sep 1982 - Dec 1985 · 3 yrs 4 mos

  • Designer at Verhaert Design and Developement
    May 1985 - Sep 1985 · 5 mos

    Free lance design project