Raj Anthony Dhadwal, Designer
A gift received planted the seed that grew into a business.
Raj Anthony Dhadwal’s interest in concrete began after graduating high school, when his brother gave him a book called, “Concrete Countertops.” He thought the art of creating concrete countertops was fascinating. His college studies in Environmental Science and Mechanical Engineering gave him further skills that he uses in his concrete work. Growing up he learned to draw and paint, thanks to his father (an architect) and mother (a painter).
After becoming a certified adventure guide in Alaska, Raj lined up another adventure guide job in the Patagonia area of Argentina. He planned to drive from Alaska to the tip of South America to get there. He headed south. Due to the unexpected global travel situation in 2020, he stopped in Los Angeles to stay with his other brother. With lots of time on his hands, he decided to create beautiful concrete pots and candles for friends and family for Christmas. Everyone loved his work and encouraged him to pursue this talent.
All these life experiences, plus having free time to experiment making gifts, led to him to start his company. He is now making a larger variety of creations, from lamps to tables; and incorporating concrete, metals, and crystals in his sculptures.
Crete Si Studio: Functional Art for the Discerning Palate
Raj has developed unique and sustainable formulations using high-performance concrete and silica to produce custom works of art. He has embraced the artistic style of wabi-sabi. This is a natural, earthy, simplistic style derived from Japanese culture.
Crete Si means concrete plus silica. Our concrete formulas are a blend of cement, sand, and strengtheners. Our products are inspired by natural rocks or rock formations, e.g., limestone, sandstone, or granite.
Each piece is carefully crafted by hand, then slow cured to let nature take its course. Unique to Crete Si is the natural high-gloss cure with a shine that does not fade. No polishing or other maintenance is required.
Our products are built to last. Our process is inspired by the Classical Antiquity era of ancient Greece and Rome. We use ancient methods to mold, blend and cure our concrete. We strive for sustainability in all aspects of our business, using natural, salvaged and repurposed materials whenever possible.
All materials used are carefully selected to achieve deep, intriguing textures. Each product is handmade individually or in small batches. Because of the crafting process, the nature of concrete, and the curing process, each piece becomes a unique work of art.
For a custom collaboration with Raj, contact him by clicking on the Request Custom Order button. Co-create something special, large or small. Any shape, form, or texture imaginable can be designed to custom fit any area, indoor or outdoor. Our lamps, tables, and vessels can incorporate metals, minerals, or crystals into the concrete sculptures.
Made in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
