Style Setters: The Jewelry Brief Interviews Faso

The jewelry of Faso is a joint collaboration between two long time friends, Banafsheh Fatooriechie and Maryam Sardari. Banafsheh, who has a background in textile design, creates pieces that must feel as great as they are beautiful. Marayam, an art therapist, incorporates the therapeutic use of color and certain gemstones into their designs. The outcome is a fantastic collection of unique, hand-made pieces that are fun and easy to wear.

What is the source of your design inspiration?

BF (Banafsheh Fatoorechie)- It may sound a bit odd, but I get a lot of inspiration from my dreams. Another source is nature and I’m also very interested in different cultural traditions and find my creative energy flowing easily whenever I’m exposed in any way to cultural events.

MS (Maryam Sardari)- It is hard to pin down one source that inspires me. I find inspiration in just about everything, but the most inspiring sources for me are music, organic shapes (nature), and textiles. Sometimes I see design in words.

How does color fit into your creative process?

BF- My background is in textile so I’ve had a lot of exposure to rich colors and designs. I use color in my wardrobe due to a particular mood or wanting to evoke a particular mood, so it is natural for me to use the same in my creative process. I gravitate toward colors. Their energy attracts me and their energy inspires me.

MS- I’m an Art Therapist by training. Not only have I been a witness to the therapeutic value of color in action, I’ve used it in my own artistic endeavors. Colors evoke different emotional responses as well as feelings. You can manipulate someone’s mood by changing the surrounding colors. The same holds true in designing jewelry. I must admit I don’t always consciously set out to use a specific color, I let my feelings lead me to certain colors. How do I want to feel when I wear this piece? The answer just pops out and the choice is made clear. No matter what the process, the pieces must be something I would like to own myself. You could say that I design for myself. I realize it sounds rather self-centered, but I cannot be pleased with something I won’t wear myself.

Who has the greatest influence on your life?

BF- All the women in my life especially my mother and grandmother. Gustov Klimt, Camille Claudel have been of great influence artistically. I’m also endlessly fascinated by the pattern and design in Persian carpets.

MS- It’s hard to choose one thing as the greatest source of inspiration. The women in my life have certainly played and play their part but I’m also influenced by my husband, music, poetry and art. Art, literature and love are timeless and that is the most important quality design should have. Treasured for all seasons.

What do you love most about what you do?

BF- The creative process unfolding. Starting at a particular creative point and ending up at a different finish line. This to me demonstrates the creative force at work. The creativity carrying me away. I do, however, create some pieces in a methodical, planned way, but I like to be carried away by inspiration.

MS- What I love the most is where creativity takes me. There have been many times when I’ve realized my hands have been busy but my mind (may be soul would better describe it) has flown away only to come back and witness the almost finished product. It’s difficult to explain this phenomenon. I do, of course, start out with a plan and a design in mind in most cases but it’s like as though the moment my fingers come to contact with the materials I exit my body. This I refer to as my own art therapy. The sublimation is always the product created. My mood and are always in a higher state.