We dropped Daniela Rubino a line to find out about the inspiration behind her beautiful and minimal works which include various products for the home, handmade with concrete and metal. Daniela is a new addition to the shop, we were hunting down some creations to house some spring greenery and we thought it really fit the bill! With some help from Beth of Forbesfield we have a new supply of Daniela's mini, medium and large pots including plants ready to take home.

Location: London

CAN YOU SUMMARISE YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING A DESIGNER IN FIVE STEPS?

Studied sculpture at Central St Martins
I used to work with concrete and metal when making huge artwork
I then decided to make smaller pieces
These then became home ware products
I like to think of them a small pieces of accessible art for the home

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?

My big inspiration is Tao Ando, a self-taught architect who mainly uses concrete. My favourite building of his is Church of Light. The simplicity of his work is what I like. My other inspiration is my dad, an amazing carpenter. He gives me a lot of motivation.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL WORKDAY FOR YOU?

Check my emails. Get into the workshop, create/make all day, get really messy and dirty. Eat lots. And drink loads of tea.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER/MAKER?

I look at artists more than designers. My favourite artists are Richard Deacon and Richard Serra. As they both manipulate materials in incredible ways. My favourite piece of Decaon's is the Laocoon. He steam bends wood to make it twist and curl like waves, the material completely manipulated by the maker. Richard Serra mainly uses steel in his works. I like the scale of Serra’s work, it dwarfs you and you are kind of controlled by his huge sculptures.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED ITEM OF HOMEWARE?

It would have to be my desk I made. With a metal base and concrete top. Simple design, the materials are what make it beautiful.