‘Chest of Flames'

Made in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana for the 2024 GenD Project, the ‘Chest of Flames’ is based on the designs of traditional Cassone and Cassapanca, which were often carved or painted with stories, symbols and mythologies that were personal to their owners. I’ve used the ‘Chest’ as a vessel to reflect and capture some of the distinctive symbols within my own work, that I feel are connected to Dolce and Gabbana. Inspired by the bold style and flare of the Dolce and Gabbana designs I saw in Milan, I wanted the chest design to centre around a specific symbol of defiance and strength - fire!

The chest references the mythologising of fire in different cultures but it has a specific connection to the mythology of Mount Etna, an active volcano in Sicily. Structurally, there are also references to my small snuff bottle works, reflected through the ‘enchanted box’ design of the chest. Details such as the feet and chains, features used often in my snuff bottles, are referenced in the design, as well as creatures adapted from Chinese and Medieval mythology such as dragons, which add to the fiery nature of the work.