I met Sara at a dinner last year. She's one half of ewsaa and turns out I'd already been DMing her sister Iva, the other half, about a collab. Then on a trip to Rome, I walked into their exhibition and came home with two vases
ewsaa is a ceramics project founded in 2019 by twin sisters Iva and Sara Drekalovic, the name is a fusion of both of theirs. Iva focuses on the making, embracing the experimental and tactile side of ceramics, Sara shapes the project's direction, building connections across disciplines, from hospitality to fashion. Together they build objects that go beyond function, with a process that's intuitive and rooted in a sense of play.
Iva, you make the objects. Sara, you shape how they exist in the world. Iva - what drew you to ceramic specifically, and Sara, did that division of roles come naturally or did you have to work it out? This division became natural very quickly because it perfectly reflects our backgrounds and daily lives. Iva has been working with ceramics for many years and comes from the art world, while Sara handles branding and communication within the design industry. Because our skills complement each other so well, dividing the responsibilities was a completely spontaneous and organic process.
Your pieces use glaze, metallic paint, unexpected shapes - they're not trying to be perfect. They remind me of my Murano Glass Flowers, which are also beautiful but imperfect. Is that something you think about, or does it just happen? Iva & Sara: With ewsaa, we really wanted to break away from the traditional idea of the "perfect vase." The research behind our creations is deeply rooted in the shapes of nature. Nature itself is inherently perfect, but translating its organic essence into design objects required continuous study, experimentation, and inspiration.
The fun part is playing with imagination, thinking of our Bubbles pieces like soap bubbles intersecting mid-air, or our Big Vases which evoke rugged mountain rocks with wild flowers growing out of them. Embracing those organic imperfections is entirely intentional.
Which Ewsaa piece is currently in your home, and what's living inside it or next to it? Iva: My home is filled with all the Ewsaa prototypes! They live together, scattered across every room. For instance, in my kitchen, I have a row of vases lined up on top of a cabinet, all filled with dried flowers. Sara: I have a couple of Double Bubbles on a shelf next to some incense and artwork by other artists. I also have an Ewsaa Big Vase that I keep filled with fresh flowers, which I love to change often.
A book, a meal - what's something you've enjoyed recently? Iva: We recently visited Osmiza Zidarich, which is close to where we grew up, and I had an incredible bruschetta topped with onions cooked in red wine—it was absolutely delicious. Book-wise, I just finished reading Love Machines by James Muldoon. Sara: I have been enjoying listening to the yugoslavian synth-pop band Videosex and eating many ice creams
You're based in - where exactly and what does that place give you that you couldn't get somewhere else? Iva: I’ve been living in the Marche region of Italy, right by the sea, for a few years now. The sea brings me a sense of peace and inspiration that I honestly wouldn't trade for anywhere else in the world. Sara: I’ve lived in London for roughly 12 years now and I simply can’t compare it to any other place. It has everything and feels like home, probably my forever home.