Lisa Franzen
1. Where were you born and where are you from ?
I was born in Russia, Kazan. But I grow up in Italy, in Rome.
2. What is your first memory connected to the art world ?
Both of my parents were professional ballet dancers, they danced in Bolshoi Theatre as well. So my first approch to art was through the ballet, the classical music and all the theater scenography. When I was little I was often behind the backstage and I was in love with the environment. My father has passion for art, I think i was inspired through him, he sculpts and paint.
3. Have you always worked in the art/design field ?
Yes, after the graduation from highschool I went to study interior design in London
4. What led you to the design creation ?
I always wanted to express myself through art, I wanted to transform my ideas into something tangible. I started with painting and after I approached the design field.
5. How would you describe your creative process and it influences ?
I am inspired by Mother Nature. My design creations are inspired by the beauty and patterns found in nature. Nature’s diversity and elegance serve as my muse, and influence every aspect of my design. Nature’s inherent textures and resilience inspire me to work with materials like wood, stone, and metal.
6. Could you describe a typical day of your work ?
My working day starts around 9:30, after dropping my two little boys (2 and 4) to the kindergarten I am a working mom :).
Organizing my workday into three phases, I focus on technical and administrative tasks initially, followed by on-site visits and inspections for ongoing projects. The final phase is dedicated to the creative process, where I can unleash my ideas through drawing and expression.
7. Why did you choose the specific materials you work with ?
In my material choices, I prioritize those that serve as a canvas for nature’s beauty. Each selected element not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal but becomes a tangible reflection of the organic grace and timeless allure found in the natural world.
8. What are the technical particularities of your creations ?
The meticulous handwork of skilled artisans is at the heart of my process, emphasizing an unwavering commitment to quality. By placing craftsmanship at the forefront, each piece not only showcases precision but also embodies a unique touch, elevating the overall standard and aesthetic appeal of my creations.
9. What advices could you give to beginning artists who would like to create sculptural design works ?
Absolutely, embracing your ideas and work without fear of criticism is key. Recognizing that not everyone will resonate with your creations allows you to stay true to your vision and maintain the authenticity of your artistic expression.
10. If your works had to belong to a design movement, in which one would you define it ?
Between Brutalism and Minimalism
11. What designers and artists have influenced you ?
Ludwig mies van der rohe, Angelo Mangiarotti and John Pawson
12. What contemporary designers do you appreciate ?
Claudio Silvestrin, Vincenzo De Cotiis and Drift
13. What contemporary artists (in any kind of art) have you been inspired by ?
My favorite is Olafur Eliasson and Damien Hirst
14. If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be ?
Simple forms, natural materials. My creations embody a pure and direct connection with nature.
Proust Questionnaire with very short answers (one or a few words) :
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust. Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde, Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness is rooted in self satisfaction
2. What is your greatest fear?
Losing loved ones
3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I deplore occasional cynicism in myself
4. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I deplore hypocrisy
5. Which living person do you most admire?
My mom
6. What is your greatest extravagance?
I am highly sensitive, I perceive and connect with others
7. What is your current state of mind?
I am very focused
8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Pride
9. What is the quality you most like in a man ?
Sarcasm
10. What is the quality you most like in a woman ?
Self confidence
11. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Recently I overuse Holes
12. Which talent would you most like to have?
Sing
13. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Nothing
14. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My inner balance and my kids
15. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I would like to be a panter or a lion
16. Where would you most like to live?
Switzerland
17. What is your most treasured possession?
My kids
18. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
A failed person in life and love
19. What is your favorite occupation?
Being an interior Designer
20. What is your most marked characteristic?
I am a sunny person
21. What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty
22. Who are your favorite writers?
Mikhail Bulgakov
23. Who is your hero of fiction?
Batman
24. Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Elizabeth I
25. Who are your heroes in real life?
Warzone volunteers
26. What are your favorite names?
Luna, Blu, Falco
27. What is it that you most dislike?
Verbal violence
28. What is your greatest regret?
Dedicating time to the wrong people
29. How would you like to die?
Die in the sleep without realizing it
30. What is your motto?
I am a waterfall, always renewing undisturbed by external disturbances
