With using traditional and basic materials such as clay, wood, willow, and flax, a Ukranian-based design studio creates a product design that is unique and artistic at the same time by bringing forth historical elements that are native to Ukraine.
Smooth textures and organic shapes – are two descriptions that are suited to these products designed by Faina, the Ukrainian design studio. At the core principle, Faina wanted to create a line of product that is so universal that they can be matched with any kind of interior style, be it modern, minimal, contemporary, traditional, classical, you name it. Isn’t it unique?
As a famous design studio in Ukraine, Faine was built in 2014 by architect and designer VictoriyaYakusha, with the hope to support and push forth the design industry in Eastern Europe by showcasing local materials in such contemporary and modern setup.
“The collections are totally based on domestic traditions, materials and craft techniques. We are trying to transform traditions into contemporary minimalist design objects in a very careful and respectful way,” told Yakusha to an international design media and publication, Dezeen. She explained how behind each of the product there is a local driver or that each of the product is inspired by local techniques, methods, and traditions that are very specific. It took almost 8 months for Faina to work with 10 local craftsmen, endlessly collaborating and experimenting on creating these nature-based products as the studio wanted to ensure that the products can last a long time.
To create the clay, Yakusha took a pottery sample from Ukraine and tried to connect them with local crafts people to expand the concept idea. This is where the manual techniques are implemented in making such high value art piece.
“In their hands the seemingly fragile nature of clay turned out to be very reliable and modern-looking in the aesthetic sense,” said Yakusha.
Then, some region in Ukraine believes that clay has health and prosperity benefits or is a form of good fortune to their families. It explains why Ukrainian households are often decorated with a lot of clay furniture, construction material, and accessories. “I i’s believed in some Ukrainian villages that this material can actually heal people, filling their hearts with warmth and their bodies with living energy.”
Other than working with clay, Faina also has produced other furniture that can be used indoor and outdoor. This collection is called Ztista. Besides Ztista, Yakusha also works a lot with metal and flax that result in organic shapes and getting appreciation for her work. This flax furniture are then coated with biopolymer solution to create objects that last a long time and that are waterproof. “We decided to experiment with local materials that were never used for furniture before, such as flax, and create objects that would reflect the beauty of imperfection, like sculptures made by an artist“.
It’s really amazing to see and talking about this eco friendly furniture created by VictoriyaYakusha. She combined traditions and nature for creating furniture which not only gives your home a natural look, it also gives you health benefits.
(photo credits: dezeen)
