NATALIA CRIADO

Colombian-born, Italy-based designer Natalia Criado brings together crafting traditions from her birth and adopted countries to create tableware, cutlery, and glassware that speaks to how the fusion of cultural traditions can come together to create an entirely new design identity.

With work that is inspired by pre-Colombian artwork and a nod towards the geometric shapes of Art Deco design, Criado manages to make each piece contemporary, paring back the visual expression so that the object’s shape is spotlighted.

Natalia Criado begins with wax moulds to shape her designs. When it is time to bring in materials such as metal, she partners with expert artisans to create her pieces; Criado sees this as a give-and-take process that preserves and supports the crafts themselves. Once the item is passed from the creators to the user, it becomes a “gift of time,” encouraging ritual and a restful pause within our otherwise busy lives.

For Ark Kollekt 03, in collaboration with Studio X Kitchen, she presents the silver-plated Teiera Teapot with rose quartz stone detail and silver-plated geometric server set, Artefacto.