“Hydro” Contemporary Sculpture by Isabelle Fustinoni (French Artist) – Natural Shell & Mixed Media

Details

Description

"HYDRO" is a unique sculptural box created through the collaboration of three artists. The cylindrical body is made of grog-fired … Read more "HYDRO" is a unique sculptural box created through the collaboration of three artists. The cylindrical body is made of grog-fired stoneware by Clément Petibon, while the yew wood lid and its extraordinary finial, composed of a natural shell mounted in lacquered brass and adorned with gilded brass beads, were designed and handcrafted by Isabelle Fustinoni.

This remarkable cylindrical box is distinguished by its sculptural lid and its striking, one-of-a-kind finial, transforming a functional object into a true work of contemporary art.

Dimensions:

Height: 6.1 inch
Diameter: 4.9 Inch
Overall length including finial: 7.08 inch

Signature:
The underside of the lid bears the concealed signature "FUSTI", for Isabelle Fustinoni (see photographs).

Condition : PERFECT CONDITION.
Period : CONTEMPORARY.
Remarks : UNIQUE WORK.
About Isabelle Fustinoni

The essence of Isabelle Fustinoni's work revolves around the creation of objects inspired by the spirit of the historic Cabinets of Curiosities.

Her artistic vision goes far beyond the materials themselves. Through refined imagination and exceptional craftsmanship, she transforms precious and unexpected materials into poetic compositions rich in symbolism. Her jewellery and sculptural objects evoke travel, encounters and personal experiences, creating mysterious narratives that invite contemplation.

Working with materials such as metal, mother-of-pearl, ebony, seeds, horn, pearls and shells, Isabelle Fustinoni combines traditional craftsmanship with a distinctly contemporary aesthetic. Her work reflects both technical mastery and timeless elegance.

Driven by an ongoing desire to explore new techniques and artistic languages—from ethnic and religious traditions to industrial influences—she continually reinvents her creative practice. An explorer of materials and an alchemist of transformation, she creates works that surprise through their originality and poetic strength.

Biography

Isabelle Fustinoni studied jewellery and silversmithing at the École Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs de Strasbourg (now the HEAR – Haute École des Arts du Rhin) from 1980 to 1985.

In 1983, she obtained the title of Compagnon Jeweller-Goldsmith, awarded by the Chamber of Trades of Alsace. In 1985, she graduated with a DNSEP (Diplôme National Supérieur d'Expression Plastique) in jewellery and silversmithing.

Passionate about travel and particularly inspired by Sub-Saharan Africa, she spent long periods working in local workshops, where she learned traditional goldsmithing techniques and enriched her artistic vocabulary.

Today, her works are held in numerous private collections in France, Switzerland, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain and Italy.

Keywords: Isabelle Fustinoni : Hydro : Contemporary Art : Studio Ceramics : Ceramic Sculpture : Cabinet of Curiosities : Unique Artwork : French Design : Sculptural Object : Contemporary Craft : Collectible Design : One-of-a-Kind : Artisan Ceramics : Clément Petibon : Decorative Arts. See less