CELEBRATE CRAFTMANSHIP & CORE VALUES
Discover the values and the philosophy behind the creator Diana Jap
MY PASSION FOR DESIGN AND HANDCRAFT
Diana was born and raised in Stockholm. She was deeply influenced during her youth by Swedish craftsmanships. In Sweden, textile, wood and metal crafts have been integral components of the educational curriculum since as far back as 1882, a legacy that persists to this day. Teaching crafts in school is also a way to combine all practical and theoretical subjects into one, in order to promote a sustainable society. Today, these teachings foster the use of natural materials, promote local production, advocate for responsible consumption, protect intangible cultural heritage, encourage self-organization, and nurture individual creativity.
Handcraft is a way to express your abilities, participate socially to keep a history and heritage alive by passing it down to the next generation. The skills of the hand is a universal language where people can meet beyond borders, both locally and globally. Handcraft is an inclusive activity with deep and singular knowledge and skills which take a lifetime to develop.
Contrary to standardized objects, artisanal products often require exclusively manual techniques which are often more original and inventive. Making products by hand means that the field of possibilities opens up, and with it, your opportunity to access an exceptional product, a piece of art.
After all, isn't art what makes life "more interesting than art itself", according to 20th century visual artist Robert Filou?
THE TRADITION OF LEATHER: DURABILITY, COMFORT, AND ETHICS
Do you remember that using leather for clothing dates back to the very origins of humanity? It is indeed one of the first materials that the man have used to keep themselves warm.
The reason? Not only is leather comfortable, isolating and breathable, it is also extremely resistant and naturally waterproof. Therefor, I was naturally drawn to this material to create objects that are both long-lasting and sustainable. In my workshop, I exclusively work with leather that comes from the meat industry and that has ended up as dead stock from various luxury fashion houses. This ensures that animals are not killed only for their skins. It thus contributes to limiting waste, which in the end brings us back to the first form of what we now call "recycling".
THE CREATIVITY AND THE PERSONAL AND EMOTIONAL ATTACHEMENT
The bond we share with an object is defined by the connection we nurture with it. For Diana, evoking emotions through her creations remains a priority, and she now explores a diverse range, from bags to household items.
Diana creates items for individuals who see in their acquisition much more than a mere utilitarian object. To her, each item encapsulates a personal narrative, reflects one's daily rituals, and offers a glimpse into the owner's distinct personality.
An object possesses an inherent autonomy akin to that of a sculpture. However, what sets it apart from a sculpture is its interaction with the human body and its movements - the dynamic between the body and the accessory
Much like a theatrical prop, the bag or the object can represent a character or a persona. It complements an outfit like it enriches a narrative.
In the end, they remain objects. Nevertheless, objects are universally relatable entities. The objects we choose are tangible items we can grasp, and when we see characters using theatrical props on stage, it's a mutual experience that pulls us into THEIR universe.