Today, we’ll talk about designer Natalia Criado, a Colombian artist who is now living in Milan. Born in 1985, Natalia grew up in Colombia where she discovered her talent and passion for design at a young age. She moved to Milan to study at IED where she graduated in Industrial Design. Her work celebrates the encounter between the cultural background acquired in Italy and Colombian traditions. Natalia’s elegant and minimal collections combine the sophistication of contemporary Italian design with ancient pre-Columbian aesthetic motifs
She began her career by founding a jewelry brand specializing in the creation of sculptural objects that accompany the human body, like an ornament made with the finest metalworking techniques, such as lost-wax casting. Natalia’s artistic journey began with accessories and bijoux, as she collaborated with different companies in Italy and Colombia.
Later, she decided to expand her collections by getting closer to the world of collectible design pieces, creating objects designed for the home.
Also these new collections are inspired by pre-Columbian shamanic artifacts known as “objects of duality,” which are reworked and transformed into everyday utensils.
Natalia collaborates closely with the finest Colombian, Florentine and Milanese artisans to create her collections, developing products that successfully combine design and craftsmanship: unique pieces with those minimal shapes that are so common in contemporary art, complemented by exceptional details, such as semi-precious
stones.
“oyas en casa” (literally “gems in the home”), which is one of her latest collections, includes a table service with bowls, cups and glasses, where delicacy and materiality come together to enrich everyday life. In this collection, Natalia embellishes industrial style with natural stone elements, such as jade and pearls, giving the objects a magical and original look.
The cutlery sets feature a mix of simple and geometric shapes adorned with innovative and richly detailed motifs.
Among the most original and precious objects designed by Natalia Criado is the black Bakelite designer lids for the famous Diptyque candle brand, which feature the designer’s sculptural silver-plated metal miniatures inspired by Maison’s universe.
How many years have you lived in Italy and what made you choose this country?
I spent 9 years in Italy, where I attended the School of Design at the European Institute of Design in Milan from 2005 to 2009. In 2017, I returned to Italy and lived in Florence for a year. After that, I moved to Milan with the intention of starting my personal “Jewels at Home” project.
What is design for you?
For me, design is a form of expression through useful objects that convey emotions. It is a relationship between the object and the human being in which there is mutual interaction. Design allows me to explore different techniques and materials. I see it as a combination of materials, forms, emotions, uses and interactions with the human being.
What is the spark that lights your creative fire, the acorn from which your poetics and work develop, as
Hillman would say?
The spark that lights my creative fire is manifold. Emotions, traveling, seeing new things, learning from others and hearing new stories are just some of the things that inspire me. I love reading stories about objects and techniques from the past and how they traveled the world. For example, it fascinates me to see how glass techniques spread worldwide and how artisans share their techniques with others. I am inspired by many people and I find their stories very exciting. Even when I return home to Colombia, I always feel renewed with new ideas and a desire to create.
Where does your connection and passion for the world of design come from?
I like design because it allows me to express creativity through designing functional and aesthetically beautiful objects. Since I was a child, I have always loved drawing and creating things with my hands. In particular, geometric drawings have always fascinated me because they allowed me to create precise and neat shapes.When I decided to go to design school, I chose industrial design because I thought it was the best way to
combine my passion for drawing with my desire to create useful and functional objects for people.
What is your relationship with the market and collectors?
At the moment, my creations can be purchased through e-commerce and design stores. In particular, I have a store where you can view all my works, including a collection of silver kitchen objects for SSENSE I recently created.
Among my latest projects is also the Invisible Collection, which includes a selection of pieces in New York, Paris and London.
Finally, I also have a new e-commerce platform called De Oblist, where you can buy a selection of joyas en casa.
My creations are halfway between collectible and design pieces.
Of all the projects you have carried out, which one do you hold closest to your heart?
The project I cherish the most is my collection of tea sets. I was inspired by pre-Columbian objects, and that’s how my favorite creation, the “Mucura” was born. I think each piece has a different and unique personality. However, this collection of teapots is special because it allows me to combine my passion for art and design with my passion for tea and pre-Columbian culture.
If you were a material, what would you be?
If I had to be a material, I would like to be metal. Metal is soft and malleable but, at the same time, it is hard and durable. It can be transformed and shaped into many different forms and can be used for many different applications. Also, metal is my favorite material.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from traveling, the past and my culture. Unconsciously, my shapes are round and voluptuous, in a pre-Columbian style. I also really like to experiment, and many of my ideas come from sharing with artisans.
What do you think the design world can do to protect the planet?
I think the design world must respect the environment, work for sustainability and help communities. Designers can use recycled or biodegradable materials, reduce material waste, and work with local artisans to support their work. In addition, designers can educate people about the importance of sustainability and environmental protection through their work. In short, the design world can do a lot to protect the planet, especially if
designers collaborate and commit to making positive changes.
She began her career by founding a jewelry brand specializing in the creation of sculptural objects that accompany the human body, like an ornament made with the finest metalworking techniques, such as lost-wax casting. Natalia’s artistic journey began with accessories and bijoux, as she colla…
She began her career by founding a jewelry brand specializing in the creation of sculptural objects that accompany the human body, like an ornament made with the finest metalworking techniques, such as lost-wax casting. Natalia’s artistic journey began with accessories and bijoux, as she collaborated with different companies in Italy and Colombia.
Later, she decided to expand her collections by getting closer to the world of collectible design pieces, creating objects designed for the home.
Also these new collections are inspired by pre-Columbian shamanic artifacts known as “objects of duality,” which are reworked and transformed into everyday utensils.
Natalia collaborates closely with the finest Colombian, Florentine and Milanese artisans to create her collections, developing products that successfully combine design and craftsmanship: unique pieces with those minimal shapes that are so common in contemporary art, complemented by exceptional details, such as semi-precious
stones.
“oyas en casa” (literally “gems in the home”), which is one of her latest collections, includes a table service with bowls, cups and glasses, where delicacy and materiality come together to enrich everyday life. In this collection, Natalia embellishes industrial style with natural stone elements, such as jade and pearls, giving the objects a magical and original look.
The cutlery sets feature a mix of simple and geometric shapes adorned with innovative and richly detailed motifs.
Among the most original and precious objects designed by Natalia Criado is the black Bakelite designer lids for the famous Diptyque candle brand, which feature the designer’s sculptural silver-plated metal miniatures inspired by Maison’s universe.
How many years have you lived in Italy and what made you choose this country?
I spent 9 years in Italy, where I attended the School of Design at the European Institute of Design in Milan from 2005 to 2009. In 2017, I returned to Italy and lived in Florence for a year. After that, I moved to Milan with the intention of starting my personal “Jewels at Home” project.
What is design for you?
For me, design is a form of expression through useful objects that convey emotions. It is a relationship between the object and the human being in which there is mutual interaction. Design allows me to explore different techniques and materials. I see it as a combination of materials, forms, emotions, uses and interactions with the human being.
What is the spark that lights your creative fire, the acorn from which your poetics and work develop, as
Hillman would say?
The spark that lights my creative fire is manifold. Emotions, traveling, seeing new things, learning from others and hearing new stories are just some of the things that inspire me. I love reading stories about objects and techniques from the past and how they traveled the world. For example, it fascinates me to see how glass techniques spread worldwide and how artisans share their techniques with others. I am inspired by many people and I find their stories very exciting. Even when I return home to Colombia, I always feel renewed with new ideas and a desire to create.
Where does your connection and passion for the world of design come from?
I like design because it allows me to express creativity through designing functional and aesthetically beautiful objects. Since I was a child, I have always loved drawing and creating things with my hands. In particular, geometric drawings have always fascinated me because they allowed me to create precise and neat shapes.When I decided to go to design school, I chose industrial design because I thought it was the best way to
combine my passion for drawing with my desire to create useful and functional objects for people.
What is your relationship with the market and collectors?
At the moment, my creations can be purchased through e-commerce and design stores. In particular, I have a store where you can view all my works, including a collection of silver kitchen objects for SSENSE I recently created.
Among my latest projects is also the Invisible Collection, which includes a selection of pieces in New York, Paris and London.
Finally, I also have a new e-commerce platform called De Oblist, where you can buy a selection of joyas en casa.
My creations are halfway between collectible and design pieces.
Of all the projects you have carried out, which one do you hold closest to your heart?
The project I cherish the most is my collection of tea sets. I was inspired by pre-Columbian objects, and that’s how my favorite creation, the “Mucura” was born. I think each piece has a different and unique personality. However, this collection of teapots is special because it allows me to combine my passion for art and design with my passion for tea and pre-Columbian culture.
If you were a material, what would you be?
If I had to be a material, I would like to be metal. Metal is soft and malleable but, at the same time, it is hard and durable. It can be transformed and shaped into many different forms and can be used for many different applications. Also, metal is my favorite material.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from traveling, the past and my culture. Unconsciously, my shapes are round and voluptuous, in a pre-Columbian style. I also really like to experiment, and many of my ideas come from sharing with artisans.
What do you think the design world can do to protect the planet?
I think the design world must respect the environment, work for sustainability and help communities. Designers can use recycled or biodegradable materials, reduce material waste, and work with local artisans to support their work. In addition, designers can educate people about the importance of sustainability and environmental protection through their work. In short, the design world can do a lot to protect the planet, especially if
designers collaborate and commit to making positive changes.
che cosa è?
YourAdvisor è il marketplace di We Wealth che mette in contatto gli investitori privati con i professionisti della gestione patrimoniale.
