Victoria Yakusha (UA)

Ztista – An Exploration of Ukrainian Craft

July 2nd – July 8th 2023

The Workshop

Ztista is a very special invention – a mixture of clay, recycled paper, flax fibers and wood chips with a biopolymer cover. The environmentally friendly material only takes about five years to decompose in the soil.

I use organic material based on traditional techniques with great enthusiasm because it represents the concept of sustainability so well in my work as a designer: Being at one with the nature of our environment and in touch with its cultural roots.

Literally translated, "Ztista" means "made of dough" – and indeed the similarities in consistency and appearance are obvious. One of the main ingredients is clay, which has always been highly valued in Ukraine. Thus, the technique of processing the basic elements of Ztista was used in our country long ago for the construction of traditional dwellings, the so-called Hata.

The workshop teaches its participants the complete process of making the material, from kneading the "dough" to sculpting the surface, in order to then materialize their own designs of small furniture, lamps and other utensils.

Workshop Categories

Victoria Yakusha is a Ukrainian designer, artist, and architect whose unique philosophy of ‘live design’ centers around a deep connection to earth and ethnic roots. Born in 1982 in Dnipro, she earned an architectural degree at Prydniprovska State Academy, Ukraine and completed her studies at the Institute of National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA), France. In 2014, after the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine, Victoria Yakusha established FAINA — a design brand of furniture, decor, and lighting rooted in Ukrainian cultural heritage.

Both in FAINA and her limited collections, Victoria Yakusha presents a sensual and spirited take on minimalism. By merging an architectural background with her own laconic vision and the cultural codes of her ancestors, she has created a distinctive aesthetic that brought her to the forefront of modern Ukrainian design.

www.yakusha.design

Housing

  • Accommodation & food are included

  • We can accommodate for special catering

  • All participants sleep in dormitories

  • To book a private room or bring additional guests, get in touch: workshops@boisbuchet.org

Education

  • Our staff are available to help you conceptualize & produce your designs

  • Tools & materials are provided by Boisbuchet

  • All workshops are taught in English

  • The number of participants is limited to 22

Activities