Meet The Maker: Natalia Criado

Criado was born in Colombia and studied Industrial Design in Italy. In her work, she merges both facets of her life, drawing inspiration from pre-Columbian forms in the design process and collaborating with a number of different artisans in Italy for fabrication, each specializing in a particular technique that is applied depending on the design. She very much considers the artisans her creative partners, valuing their expertise and incorporating it into her design process. This multistep, multicultural, multidisciplinary approach results in work ingrained with authenticity and discerned historical awareness.

Her pieces inhabit a realm at the nexus of functionality and decorative art. They are breathtaking, fun, original, and wild. They make you want to reach out and tentatively touch their surfaces, feeling the various textures and temperatures of metal and quartz stones. At rest, they stand like sculptural objects that animate their surroundings. When in use, they energize the moment like beings from another world—enticing you to engage with them slowly and ritualistically, acknowledging their presence and interacting accordingly.

Q&A

Your work straddles both a minimal and surreal aesthetic, can you speak a little about the intersection of these two styles?
My work presents a blend of figurative and geometric shapes, reflecting a duality in my creative process. The use of wax casting allows me to create more figurative pieces, where the organic forms and curves of nature inspire my design. On the other hand, my geometric pieces draw inspiration from the clean lines, precise angles, and minimalist aesthetics of contemporary design.

Is form or function more important to you when it comes to your collectible pieces - are they designed to be admired or objects to be used?
For me, form and function are intrinsically linked. I believe that beautiful objects should also be functional and that the act of using them should be a pleasurable experience. I want my pieces to be both admired and used, to add a touch of beauty and meaning to everyday life.

You also make jewelry. Do you see that creative design and process as separate or connected to your tableware?
While jewelry and tableware are distinct categories, I see the creative process as a connected thread. The principles of craftsmanship, materiality, and form that I apply to my jewelry inform my work with tableware. Both explore a fusion of minimalist aesthetics and intricate details, often drawing inspiration from the same sources

Where do you get inspiration for your pieces from and how has this changed over time?
The "Joyas en Casa" collection is an evolving body of work, with new pieces added over time. The "Aperitivo Set" belongs to a sub-collection called "Duality," while the "Ice Cooler" is part of the "Narco Exotic" sub-collection. The "Ice Bucket," adorned with charming little feet, takes on a personality of its own. The incorporation of stones adds a sophisticated touch, creating a fusion of elegance and playfulness. Together, these elements form a character that is both alternative and refined.

Who are your favorite product designers at the moment?
My favorite Product designers are: Ettore Sottsass, Gae Aulenti

How does ritual play into your pieces?
Ritual plays a significant role in my work. I believe that objects can enhance the everyday rituals of life, making them more meaningful and enjoyable. The act of using my pieces, whether it's enjoying a cup of coffee, serving a meal, or simply admiring a beautiful object, becomes a small, yet significant ritual that connects us to the beauty and craftsmanship of the piece.

Art360 is an ongoing series in our 360 Atlantic Avenue space that showcases the work of artists that we love and want to celebrate. Informed by the past, speaking to the future and placing you in the present, art in your home is more than decoration - it frames and reflects who you are within that. Through ART360 we are excited to present artists that have both the aesthetic strength and the conceptual depth to ground their work in continued relevance and ongoing interest.