ZTISTA

Victoria Yakusha’s ZTISTA collection is a tribute to warm, nostalgic memories of childhood, family, and the simple joys of handmade traditions. Every item in this collection – from sculptural tables to expressive chairs – is crafted using ZTISTA, a unique sustainable material developed by Yakusha. Its name derives from the Ukrainian word for “made from dough,” reflecting both the texture and the artisanal process behind the pieces.

ZTISTA combines natural components like clay, flax, wood chips, and recycled paper, creating a tactile, organic surface that evokes the sensation of kneading dough. The holes and subtle irregularities present in the material bring to mind the golden crackers many of us remember from childhood – those comforting snacks often baked by a grandmother’s loving hands.

Each piece in the ZTISTA collection is meticulously handcrafted, making every item a unique work of art. The sculpting technique used to form the ZTISTA material allows for the artisans' fingerprints to remain visible in the final design, a detail that holds great significance for Victoria Yakusha. For her, the presence of these marks is more than just an aesthetic choice – it is an intentional reflection of the human touch embedded in every creation.

Yakusha firmly believes that design should do more than simply serve a functional purpose or possess visual appeal. It should convey a sense of the people behind its making – their energy, spirit, and craftsmanship. The visible fingerprints on each piece are a reminder of the artisans’ dedication and skill, bringing an intimate, personal connection to the object. This approach contrasts with the mass production of faceless, standardized designs, imbuing each item in the ZTISTA collection with a soul that speaks to its creator’s handwork.

This philosophy is a central aspect of Yakusha’s design ethos, which she defines as more than just aesthetics – it is about creating objects that carry a deeper meaning and evoke emotions. In every curve, every texture, and every visible mark left behind, the ZTISTA pieces capture the essence of the artisans and their culture. By preserving these marks, Yakusha ensures that the connection between the maker and the user remains alive, creating not just furniture, but artifacts with a history, a personality, and a story to tell.

A special highlight of the collection is ZTISTA SVITANOK (meaning "sunrise" in Ukrainian) – a series of ZTISTA chairs colored in soft, delicate hues reminiscent of early morning skies. The tender shades of pinks, yellows, and blues mirror the fleeting beauty of dawn