STIRring Conversations: Escaping reality with Elisa Ossino

A recurring thread that defines the work of Elisa Ossino is the use of elementally opposite markers of lightness and intensity. Her creations, though possessing the toughness of a solid materiality, in contrast, visually come across as soft and weightless. Speaking with STIR, the Sicilian-born designer, for whom reality is not much of an interest in her creative practice, opens up about her roots and influences, the seeming virtuality of her products, her strong connection with art, and the things she looks forward to doing NEXT. The interview conducted by Samta Nadeem (Brand Director - Curation and Communications, STIR) was hosted at the Salvatori showroom in Milan during Salone del Mobile 2022.

At the design fair this year, Ossino presented a range of eclectic taps and shower fittings for Salvatori. The collection titled Spaghetti which features a pared-back aesthetic and a 20mm slender cartridge, reducing the diameter to a minimum, marked the company’s foray into the tapware world. The products have been crafted to exhibit qualities of geometric abstraction, monochromes, and metaphysical and surrealist references, cues that collectively characterise her multi-disciplinary works.

Commenting on the seeming relatability of her works with what is being created digitally today - the gentle, weightless forms crafting a deep scenographic feeling - Ossino says, “When I design interiors, I try to research abstraction all the time. I don’t like creating too many physical spaces. Through my spaces, I like to bring people inside a three-dimensional painting.” While her practice straddles residential and retail interiors, product design, art direction and set design, and includes collaborations with brands such as Living Divani, Rubelli, Salvatori, Boffi, Foscarini, Molteni and C., and Zanotta, when asked if she has any plans of designing in the metaverse, the designer shares that though a large part of her work sits on the edge of reality and virtuality, she would like to dig deep in that direction. She reckons that if designers and artists develop the metaverse using personal narratives, it would become more meaningful.

A strong influence from her childhood memories of living in Sicily continues to be reflected in Ossino’s creations. Having absorbed the Italian island’s geometricity and the sheer lightness of its architecture and landscapes, in addition to its untamed beauty, her practice inspires with the way she weaves intimate stories into everyday objects. Her collaboration with Salvatori, which goes back a number of years, has produced several collections that embrace the world of interior design in its entirety. She has designed mirrors, paperweights, drawers, lamps, wall tiles, and miniature sculptures for the Italian design company specialising in natural stone. When asked if she had to pick a favourite work, Ossino was quick to point at the Urano lamp, which was ensconced on the floor behind her. Crafted in white Biano Carrara marble and looking more like a celestial body than a lamp, to her, the piece stands out for balancing the qualities of being both a sculpture and a functional entity. She adds that her association with CEO Gabriele Salvatori (whom we interacted with in our recent talk series from Milan Design Week titled The Business of Design) is full of great enthusiasm that make ideas a reality.

The interview couldn’t be wrapped without knowing what’s NEXT for her, and if she hopes to see the future bringing any change in the design world. On the former, Ossino expresses the desire to create public spaces and work more in the social realm. The latter, she adds, calls for an easy availability of sustainable materials and processes driven by a circular economic thinking.

Tune into the full conversation by clicking the top video.

STIR takes you on a Milanese sojourn! Experience Salone del Mobile and all the design districts - 5vie, Brera, Fuorisalone, Isola, Zona Tortona, and Durini - with us. STIR’s coverage of Milan Design Week 2022, Meanwhile in Milan showcased the best exhibits, moods, studios, events, and folks to look out for. We also had our very own STIR press booth at Salone del Mobile - Hall 5/7 S.14, Fiera Milano RHO.