Cristina Zani is the founder of her own design studio, creating collections of jewellery that reflect the urban environment and its geometries. Cristina approaches jewellery design by taking inspiration from a city’s landscape, and then juxtaposing materials, colours and shapes to create simply formed pieces. Her pieces show the vulnerability of materials, yet are rich in narrative and complexity. Her My Seoul collections for instance is influenced by the contrast between contemporary and antique architecture within South Korea So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Cristina Zani.
Image Credit: 1) Golran rug 2) Flos lamp 3) Hilary Mayo ceramic 4) Luis Barragán Cuadra San Cristóbal 5) Cassina Profile) Aga Tarnowska
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My work is geometrical and bold. I combine wood and metal to create sculptural and colourful pieces. I like simple lines and contrast, but my style is eclectic.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I begin by observing and absorbing information. However I don’t always sketch before making; I often have an idea in my head and I start working directly with the materials.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I find it difficult to choose one person. There are many talented people out there and every person I have worked with has taught me something valuable. I love the fact that each individual has a different way to approach things and I am curious to find out how their mind works when creating.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Colours, shapes and textures are my main inspiration, but ideas can come from anywhere, so I just look around and record what attracts my attention, by drawing or photographing it.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Following a career in corporate communication, when I was 42 I finally decided to pursue my lifelong passion for art and I studied for a Master in Jewellery at Edinburgh College of Art. My advice is that it’s never too late to do what you want!
