Français
English
TZURI GUETA: a textile designer
This month, I am going to introduce you to Tzuri Gueta, an expert who explores silicone.
Born in Israel in 1968, it is very early in his childhood that he started fiddling with all the things he could find, dismanteling them and then putting them back together again for hours.
Before he even knew how to swim, he used to ask one of his brothers to drag him on a rubber ring with his diving mask fastened on his face so that he could explore all day long, his big eyes wide open, the depths of the Red Sea.
In 1996 he got a degree in textile creation at the Shenkan College.
With his inquisitive mind, he all so naturally started integrating the softness of silicone in his creation and artistic work.
He decided to settle in Paris in 1997 where he collaborated with the Trend Union agency and worked out trends for the “ View on colour” magazine. He also worked as a consultant for the Carlin Group and was in charge of missions for Lacroix, Gaultier, Givenchy, Armani, Mugler, Dior… he even included silicone in Solstiss lace and in cotton for Linea Piu (between 2001 and 2008).
In 2006, he decided to create his own collections inspired by the sea world. His accessories and jewels can be found in such places as the Centre Pompidou (the Printemps design shop), at the MOMA store in New-York city, at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Mudam in Luxembourg.
He has recently designed a 9.2 meter tall ceiling light in a new luxury hotel in London and has worked as a costume designer for the cinema in a remake of “The 3 Musketeers”.
From decorative objects to furniture, from the conception of textile panels, fabric or jewels, his staging of objects, his conception of light, in short, all his work was awarded the Andy Prize in Israel last year. Likewise, the magic and the creativity of his various universes were highlighted during an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Tel Aviv.
All the gentleness of his personality can be found in his «sea sculptures» which you immediately feel like touching. This top-of -the range expert, multi-trend, «under the influence of silicone» explores a world in-between technology and the goldsmith’s art and yet he still has so much to share with us.
Next month he will officially open his own store…
I let you discover his world….
See you next month!
Mademoiselle Viviane-Lucie
Ten questions for Lovely SurprisE™:
1.What were the upbeats of your career?
One of the upbeats in my career was when I decided to close my workshop in Israel and moved to Paris.Launching my own brand of silicone jewels was also a very important moment. All of a sudden, I was not only creating material but I was also responsible for designing a whole collection, a whole universe was taking shape.
2.What are your sources of inspiration?
I observe nature a lot. It is full of various shapes and stimulates my creativity. Nature has always been my guide when seeking inspiration with jewels and textiles. Above all, I am thinking of the sea world which is very dear to me for I grew up by the seaside.
3.You feel close to…
I feel close to Gaudi as far as his visual universe and organic shapes are concerned . I also feel close to the surrealist movement. Artists such as Magritte who try to trick our senses, to disconcert spectators. Is it an apple ? Is it reality or an illusion ? We can ask the same questions about my jewels, everything leads people to believe it is made in coral and yet it is soft and smooth. You might think it feels like something mineral and yet it is …. silicone. I also think of Matthew Barney’s work which is close to bio mimicry and his very futurist approach.
4.Your favourite works of art
Hussein Chalayan for his unique vision, for his audacious, futurist and visionary dressmaking.
5. A magic place for you
I was in Thailand last summer and there’s something magic about the exotic beaches there. The sand, silence, seaweed, the deep sea world, they all remind me of another planet, the moon, the stars. The unfathomable feeling that takes hold of me on those beaches makes me dream and leads me miles away to a strange and mysterious place.
6.Your favourite moment in the day
At the end of the day when my team leave and then I find myself alone in my workshop.
7. A sentence or an expression that moves you
Don’ t follow the trend, be the trend!
8.You have a soft spot for…
Nibbling a whole bag of sunflower seeds!
9.Do you collect something?
I must confess I collect paper towels but only the ones with beautiful patterns. I also collect pop-up postcards.
10.What are your plans for the future?
There is not enough space on this page to write about all of them. Everyday I have more plans. Here are a few of them : to start my first shop, workshop, showcase, to collaborate with other artists, to create works of art.
Special question : In what way do you find Lovely Surprise® inspiring?
It’s each time like a challenge, great!!!
