On the point of the exhibition, read our exclusive interview with Natasha Shevchenko, architect, designer, member of the Association of Product Design Specialists, who slightly lifted the veil of secrecy, telling about the ‘Flying’ stand within the Integrated Solutions section at BATIMAT RUSSIA 2019.
She creates beauty around and inspires others to love the beautiful things. Her creations are filled with elegance, harmony and nobility. But the main thing is that Natasha is able to embody the dreams – both her own and her customers’. The designer told about her collaboration with the Italian manufacturer L’Antica Deruta, spoke about the source of inspiration and the ways to find it, told about the projects she is working on and the most important things in design.
Do you remember your first project?
Yes, it was my second year at Novosibirsk State University of Architecture, I was asked to make the interior of a cafe for the West-Siberian Railway. After that there were cafes, shops, public and private facilities. In general, during my studies, I made several objects by myself with designer supervision, and by the time of graduation from the university I was a competent practitioner.
Which customer is easier and more interesting to work with — the one who knows what he wants, or the one who gives complete freedom to the designer?
It’s easier to work with a customer who trusts you.
Do you have materials that you most enjoy working with?
No, I don’t. I work with all materials. Each object has its own set of compatible materials.
Which projects do you most enjoy working on? Interiors, architecture, product design?
I love all my projects. It is like the birth of something new – you cultivate it, put your part in it. I love to design interiors, because they are the soul of the house, the atmosphere created for the life of the customer. I love to design houses, because it is interesting to create something monumental, along with all the technical features of building a new individual image for each customer. Interior items are a special love. I lay out the images, the ideas that arise in my head, on paper, and then it happens – a “magical transformation” into entire collections of real objects. I worked on different projects: architectural design of private houses, reconstruction of hotels, private and public interiors, collections of furniture, household heaters, heating radiators, medical devices. And I designed an electric car. Implementation of creative ideas always brings great pleasure.
What is the most important thing in interior design? Are there any criteria you always try to meet?
The main thing is the general harmony, ergonomics and functionality.
Which modern designers and architects inspire you?
I am inspired by interesting images of different artists and traveling to new uncharted places.
You are a participant of the Integrated Solutions exposition at BATIMAT RUSSIA 2019. What will you set to show?
Participation in the exhibition is an opportunity to present your product to a wide audience and see the reaction of professional community. My stand called ‘Flying’ is the embodiment of the dream of a modern interior and its filling with incredible radiance and magnetism, the combination of futuristic forms and magical objects of art. I will present my collection of Flying Fish interior items, created together with the factories L’Antica Deruta and the.Artceram. The general concept of the stand is the flying of ideas, brought together in a common space from different styles and design trends – from French Baroque, uniquely designed artistic interior objects to modern art movement.
What was the inspiration for your collection? How did you happen to cooperate with L’Antica Deruta?
My inspiration was the sea, or rather the wild nature of the north of the Sea of Okhotsk on the Shantar Islands. During this amazing expedition, I saw pristine nature, large flocks of bowhead and gray whales circling around my boat in the open sea, life of killer whales families that continuously accompanied us throughout the journey and many other marine life. And I also saw engravings by Japanese artists of the 17–18th century. This symbiosis of images and energy became the basis for my collection. The Italian manufacturer L’Antica Deruta became interested in my work after release of the collection in the Russian style – the Sirin Bird. After I learnt about the assortment and capabilities of the factory, I immediately had a lot of ideas and images for future collections.
Do you have projects that you are still eager to realize?
Yes, of course. And one of my dreams will very soon be realized, the work is now in progress. But now I can’t say what is this project about. I think it’s right to complete it and then present the finished product to the public.