Martina Banozic is a young Textile and Surface Designer, keen on experimenting new markets and different techniques.
Ambientha starts collaborating with Martina Banozic in July 2019. Her first proposals of design are inspired to Amazon and give life to a contemporary narration of conservation. The first wallpapers of Martina Banozic realized exclusively for Ambientha, are named after Vale do Javari: the majestic foliage of the forest embraces the indigenous populations, as a symbol of protection from the outside contacts.
Ambientha interviews Martina Banozic
Tell us something about yourself, what are the passions you can’t live without?
I live in Zagreb, Croatia. I spend a lot of time with my family and friends hiking, discovering nature, new places and trying new food. A good balance between work and private life is very important to me. I love animals, I have a cat and a belgian shepherd, and, well, it’s working for now!
Was there a particular moment or event that prompted you to choose textile design as university course and then as your profession?
It was at the end of my Bachelor studies. My course was more focused on the technical part of textiles’ manufacturing and on industrial design in general. I realized that my approach was more artistic and graphical, and I understood that textile was the perfect medium for expressing myself. I started researching and I discovered some interesting fashion brands exclusively focused on printing when designing their collection. So I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Textile design. I finally realized how finished products could look like, and what were the possibilities with printed textiles. All the way from fashion to interiors. I had that in mind while I was working on my student projects. I started to think about who would potentially buy that.
You started working for accessorize brands and then you decided to explore the world of interior design, what led you to change sector?
After one year working for the brand I previously mentioned, which was very interesting and creative, I realized how much my style had developed and that my affinities were towards design, more simple and graphical. So I figured out my approach was better placed in the interiors field, than in fashion/accessorize. I still work in the fashion market, and I love the diversity of styles it requires, but for my personal development and need of experimenting, interior design is the perfect medium.
How do your designs come to life? What is your creative process?
I always start doing sketches, I do a lot of research, I write ideas. It looks like a recipe sometimes. It all depends on the approach. If I start with the hand painted technique, once all the elements are finished, I use Photoshop to make pattern designs. But when something is more geometric, or I want to use different effects, I work with vector programs.
How would you describe your style?
Simple, effective. Color is a very important element in my process.
What inspired you to create the Javari Daylight design and its color variants Javari Midnight and Javari Dawn ?
I was inspired by the collage technique of Matisse. I wanted to create something abstract, with color as a main language.
Ambientha’s music playlists are the musical accompaniment of the interiors in which our products are included. Which song seems the best to you to accompany the Javari Daylight wallpaper you designed?
Emancipator, Nevergreen.
So let’s say goodbye, what are your artistic dreams for the future?
It would be interesting to see some of my designs translated into 3D objects such as panels, tiles, or the use of different materials besides paper, or fabric. I am curious about that.
