Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to be offered an opportunity to interview the very charming Prospero Rasulo when he was in Australia with Parisi to launch two new designs for Valdama – Cameo and Acquerello.
I first asked why Prospero decided to design products for the bathroom. He replied that the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. As he explains, the bathroom is not only a space for improving living and wellness but also a space for visitors so the tranquillity of the bathroom is really important. Prospero sees the challenge as twofold – products that are suitable for the space but that also provide for a sense of wellbeing.
Next, I asked about the inspiration for the dual colours in the Acquerello basins. He replied that the two colours help to communicate the intention of the design, something that is very important to Prospero. Prospero is first and foremost and artist so his design intent with every object is to combine harmony and beauty, and communicate that through the products. The two colours allow for a certain level of personalisation and help connect the bathroom to the rest of the house, so the basins become design objects that can communicate with the design intention throughout the interior space.
I was interested to know if Prospero saw many similarities or differences between Australian and European design. He said he sees that both areas have similar design intentions but he notices the territory and localisation of Australian design. He has been impressed by our local designers who he sees reflecting the nature and history of Australia.
When asked about the very first item Prospero designed he told me it was a piece of furniture – a cabinet with drawers. Each drawer had a different handle and it resembled a unicorn. Very strongly, Prospero believes in creating something that is a part of the ambiance; not just a furniture piece but a part of the living space. Because of his background as an artist, he looks at products more as “objects” and prefers this term as he feels an object communicates while the term “product” is more limited. In thinking of objects, Prospero feels it allows the piece to be more than just a product, something purely and simply to be used. An object can be part of an interaction that seeks to realise a communication.
Next, I was keen to know if Prospero could identify the most challenging object he has attempted to design. He explained that no object was more or less challenging than any other at the beginning of the process. With every object the consideration of communication, harmony and beauty makes it equally challenging to all others.
So, this led me to ask about the design process with Valdama and how that started. Prospero explained he already knew of Valdama’s reputation for attention to detail so he looked forward to the freedom of the collaboration. He knew he would be designing an object to be produced in ceramics so that was a consideration but otherwise there was no set design or concept. He made sure to keep in mind the overriding vision of Valdama as a company but otherwise he was given complete freedom to create as he saw fit.
Of course, a major part of the planning process was the consideration of the manufacturing abilities so Prospero took the time to understand the capabilities of the company and the materials being used. As the designs unfolded, this understanding of the manufacturing process was absorbed organically to ensure the product was technically sound.
I wanted to ask whether there was an object Prospero would really like to design but had not done so as yet. He said he couldn’t identify a specific product but for him it’s always about communication and to be able to create a product that lasts – both from an artistic and a sustainable point of view. Prospero feels strongly that within product design there must always be a consideration of the life cycle but, while material choices should always be sustainable, his focus is on designing an object that lasts and is timeless so it does not need to be replaced so often.
Prospero added that all his collaborations come through word of mouth recommendations or through his exhibitions so it means he always has the chance to work with companies whose philosophies he believes in. With Valdama, it was a perfect match because he loved their attention to detail and manufacturing ability so it made the design process so fulfilling.
My final question was to ask what Prospero thought of Australia on his first visit here. The answer? “Bellisima!” (I didn’t need a translation for that one!)
Valdama products are available in Australia through Parisi. For more information visit http://www.parisi.com.au/
