Partners in both life and business, Inna Strokous and Marius Schwald launched Studio Bovti earlier this year, bringing their vision and expertise together under one creative identity.
Cartapesta is a series of marble-topped tables made using a paper mache material that mimics the organic form and structure of stone. Photography: Studio Bovti
Words by Roddy Clarke
Both coming from creative backgrounds, Inna Strokous and Marius Schwald met while working at the same architectural firm in Stuttgart with Inna working as the Creative Director and Marius as a Project Manager. Soon becoming a couple, they say how their relationship has been both a private and creative one from the very beginning. “We worked together really well, and we always complemented each other’s skills”, comments Inna. Deciding to develop their own projects together at the beginning of 2023, with a focus on handcrafted furniture and objects, it led to the launch of Studio Bovti earlier this year.
Partners in both life and work, Inna Strokous and Marius Schwald have bought their expertise together under one creative identity. Photography: Studio Bovti
“Studio Bovti stands for diversity,” say the duo when discussing its creative identity and the emotive narratives that lie behind each project. “A diversity of craft disciplines coming from the eight people behind the studio as well as the different types of projects we develop.” With each project unique in its appearance, the materials used are varied too – something the duo state is an intentional part of the process allowing them to explore and experiment as much as possible. “Our aim is to be a little cheeky in our expression with a mission to entice and provoke the viewer with new stimuli that might be unexpected when looking over our past projects.”
Animal Lights by Studio Bovti – a series of lamps made from plaster and inspired by make-believe creatures that stem from child-like imaginations. Photography: Studio Bovti
Be it stone, wood, ceramics, paper, plaster or textiles, Studio Bovti have turned their hands to multiple mediums with its one of its latest creations, Animal Lights, resulting in a series of lamps made from coloured plaster with the forms taking inspiration from make-believe creatures that stem from our imagination during childhood. This intrinsic playfulness is the hallmark of the studio and is something the duo will carry with them into the future. “In 5-10 years, we envisage us living in a small country house by the water that combines a private living space and studio and can become our big playground for life,” says Marius. “For us, Studio Bovti is the daily expression of our inner child which still lives within us and wants to experience and see new things.”
Each project deliberately utilises different materials, forms and silhouettes as the duo state they find joy in new experimentation and exploration. Photography: Studio Bovti
While still juggling their current projects with part-time roles within architectural offices, they hope that in five years’ time they will be able to sustain full-time dedication to Studio Bovti. To help make their vision become a reality, the duo is working with multiple craftspeople who contribute towards each project, allowing them to harness different skillsets and combine it with digital technology to deliver these striking results. Speaking of collaboration, Marius says, “Because of our completely diverse portfolio of materials and shapes, you often reach the limits of your own possibilities. We have managed to offer high quality pieces from the start thanks to our collective of craftspeople.” With decades of experience feeding into the studio, it pays homage to their vision of providing a transparent platform for independent makers and artisans to partner with. From master ceramicist Kenji Futchiwaki, who handcrafts items using traditional Japanese methods, to seamstress Heidrun Schwald and stonemason Thomas Gross, who runs a third-generation family business, the Studio Bovti community currently consists of six creatives alongside the couple. “It is important and sensible to get help from experts who often have decades of experience in a particular field,” Marius continues. “All this knowledge bundled together ensures much more progress and, above all, great experiences.”
Studio Bovti currently consists of six artisans, designers and craftspeople working alongside the duo – each bringing their own expertise to specific projects. Photography: Studio Bovti
In experimenting with new materials, the pair say it has helped them to explore circular and sustainable solutions. “While our curiosity is always our top priority when developing new products, we also learn how to deal with different materials and where their strengths and weaknesses lie,” explains Inna. “This opens up the range of possibilities available to us and, when you have investigated the cycles behind it, you also assess its sustainability and the longevity and effectiveness of its use.” Speaking of the wider industry, the duo feels the focus needs to shift towards regional crafts and away from the consumption of industrial products manufactured through unemotional mass production. “It is important that the customer enters into a relationship with the object for long-term use,” they say. “This is exactly what we try to create with the products at Studio Bovti.” Hoping they can inspire other emerging studios to blossom and follow their dreams, Marius and Inna say it all starts by being active. “Only by doing will you move forward to allow new spaces and opportunities to open up. Pursue your dreams and the rest will follow!” In hearing the inspiration behind the work from this dynamic duo, it stimulates a sense of hope in witnessing not only a genuine passion for creativity, but a mindset that fosters connection, community and a childlike curiosity – something we need more of today and going forward into the future.
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