The Phillips Collection Introduces Exclusive Works by Artist YURI ZATARAIN

Furniture World Magazine

As the saying goes, sometimes big things come in small packages. At the spritely age of six, Yuri Zatarain was initially recognized for his artistic talents, which would later lead to a myriad of awards and international recognition in ceramics, acrylics, water colors, photography, painting, sculpting, poetry and more. “It actually happened quite by accident,” Zatarain explained. He was in possession of some cartoon drawings by two of his older schoolmates, when his father discovered them and, expounding on the talents of his young son, credited Zatarain for the artwork. To impress his father and live up to this expectation, he practiced in secret – over and over – until he could match or exceed the drawings his friends had created. This effort led to a first place award in a school contest. The rest, as they say, is history. Zatarain’s work has been exhibited in galleries in Berlin, Milan, Paris, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Chicago and New York, to name a few. His painting, Hombre de Pie (Standing Man), currently hangs in the Los Angeles Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA). For Zatarain’s latest project, he penned a children’s book titled “Casa del Sol” (House of the Sun), which was just released in Mexico in February 2003. Having designed more than 600 ceramic objets d’art, Zatarain describes himself as a hunter of sorts, constantly pursuing new forms and designs to stay ahead of the trends. For an emotional bond to his progeny, Zatarain often looks to the images throughout his grandmother’s house, his own childhood memories, architecture, weaving, music as well as the fashion and design atmospheres for his inspiration. “I want people to feel a dramatic connection to each piece,” said Zatarain. He describes each shape as unique, very chic and fashionable – like fine art. “When someone sees my work, it stirs a need or feeling from within – a passion that only surfaces upon viewing the piece.” Much of Zatarain’s designs capture a feeling he terms “ethnic chic”, reflecting the ideas of a new age and way of life for people who have grown into a more global community. His materials are always natural, taken with care and measure from the earth in an effort to preserve every resource. “The handwork that goes into each unique shape is a tribute to the quality and richness of the piece,” said The Phillips Collection owner Mark Phillips. The pieces for The Phillips Collection’s Parisian Chic and Carmen introductions comprise an effort by more than 20 people to create the look Zatarain has forged. All forms are shaped by hand, oven-fired at over 1300 degrees Celsius, painted, rubbed, sanded and refinished – all by hand. Zatarain is also helping to facilitate the redesign their showroom. “With Yuri’s assistance in our showroom remodeling, The Phillips Collection will bring a newly exciting and refreshing dimension to our customers,” said Phillips. The Phillips Collection was founded by the husband and wife team of Mark and Iuliana Phillips in 1983 and will be celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary in October.