Banita Mistry

Meet the maker

I initially applied because the intersection between craft and the digital compliments my practice very well as a jeweller. Working digitally has meant that I am very precise in my work and wanted to be more experimental and less driven by perfection. Importantly I also had not collaborated with anyone on a creative project and was really craving a different creative angle and interaction which iAtelier ticked perfectly!

What is your feedback on the experience? 

The collaborative element and meeting other designer-makers was the highlight and one of the most valuable creative opportunities I have had. Working with Charly has been incredible for my own personal practice as well as we come from such different creative practices. I felt there could have been more ‘in person’ events as this is where the really interesting stuff is conceived. I understand covid restrictions made this difficult. Some more definite guidance on timelines and outcomes would have been very helpful.

Five top tips you can offer others from your experience

1.Spend time getting to know each other outside of calls and zooms- museum visits, galleries etc.

2. Get into the workshop / designing sooner rather than later

3.Don’t ‘set aside time’ to collaborate – let it happen over text, WhatsApp etc as its the serendipity that creates interesting ideas!

4.Write everything down (ideas and contacts)

5.Visit each other’s studios / shows – get involved in their worlds as this is the only way you can truly bring out the best in each other and your project.