One to Watch
Showcasing the work of Natascha Maksimovic, founder of Nat Maks.
Words By Emily Martin
Who Nat Maks, the Margate studio founded by artist Natascha Maksimovic, works with the ancient Japanese technique of Suminagashi – a technique involving ‘ink floating’ marbling. The studio was set up by Maksimovic, founder and creative director, in 2014 and last year exhibited at Decorex in London where it launched its first digitally printed wallpaper collection, as well as showcasing the process of marbling with live demonstrations.
‘The bespoke marble wallpapers have evolved over the years with every commission I have fulfilled,’ says Maksimovic. ‘[They] have not only been used to decorate walls, but also to act as headboards, kitchen backsplashes and set design. The wallpaper has gained a reputation for being a creative and sustainable alternative to costly stone.’
Why Before setting up her own design and print studio, Maksimovic worked for Sir Ridley Scott within the film industry. She says: ‘His mentoring and work process has taught me discipline and a drive needed to be brave enough to set up your own business and to believe in myself to keep going.'
Launching her first bespoke marble wallpaper in 2018, and now the studio’s first digital collection, Nat Maks is looking to launching new collaborations in 2024 which, says Maksimovic, are ‘currently underwrap. I enjoy working with other creatives and transforming my marbled designs into new and surprising contexts.
Where www.natmaks.com
Imagining Ikebana
As well as creating ranges that are for sale, Nat Maks has also created installations for London Craft Week, including Imagining Ikebana (2022). The studio has also supplied for fashion shoots and window displays. The projects, says Maksimovic, ‘demonstrate the versatility of the marbled wallpapers which sit somewhere between art, craft and interiors.’
Stone Anthology
Image Credit: Followtheflow / Shutterstock.Com
Nat Maks launched its first digitally printed wallpaper, Stone Anthology, in October 2023. Featuring two designs, the wallpapers are a curated collection of triangular marbled pieces, each showcasing the unique textures and colours found in various types of stone. ‘This series celebrates my style of marbling and the unique sense of colour and pattern I bring to my projects,’ says Maksimovic.
Knot Rugs
Image Credit: Jon Day Photography
A collaboration with fine artist founder, Bonnie Sutton of Knot Rugs, and Nat Maks, eight original artworks have been reinterpreted into rugs and launched in September (New York Cover Connect, 9–11 September) and October (London Decorex, 8–11 October) 2023. The collaboration was born when the two met during a paper marbling workshop at Knots Rugs’ London store in 2022.
