Philia
Magazine

Hanna Englund is a Swedish ceramic artist based in Rio de Janeiro. With a background in fashion and product design, based in Stockholm and Shanghai, her love of creation has always been an essential part of her life. She turned to ceramics after moving to Brazil, drawn by the grounding and meditative nature of clay. 

Her sculptural work blends Scandinavian minimalism with the organic boldness of Rio. Influenced by the human body and tropical nature, her pieces explore form through hand-building and casting techniques. A signature element is the use of molds made from tropical fruits – an intuitive way of honoring forms that live deeply in the Brazilian imagination. Self-taught, Hanna embraces experimentation, tactility, and material honesty, allowing the process to shape each piece. Many surfaces are left raw, while others are treated with deep, oxidized glazes. Her practice reflects a commitment to durability and timelessness, creating objects meant to endure physically and emotionally. Her work includes sculptures, lighting, and vessels designed for architectural interiors and exhibitions, all made by hand in her Rio de Janeiro studio.

PROSA was created in 2021 by the couple Júlia Rovigo and Gabriel Pesca. An architect and a woodworker, respectively, this project emerged from their desire to combine their experiences and translate them into the design and execution of furniture.

PROSA is dedicated to extensive research and investigation of wood as a material. The studio revives knowledge and techniques from classic naval carpentry for the execution of its works, where strength and durability meet organic curves and forms.

All of their creations incorporate experimental elements in handling wood, seeking new ways to understand and explore its natural characteristics. Their products are made with a focus on nature, the people who inhabit it, and the future of the interaction between the two.

Ricardo Fasanello (1930–1993) was a Brazilian designer celebrated for his innovative approach to furniture and industrial design. Born in São Paulo and later based in Rio de Janeiro, he combined a passion for engineering, craftsmanship, and experimentation to create a distinctive body of work defined by bold forms and technical ingenuity.

Blending artisanal methods with industrial processes, Fasanello developed furniture that balanced functionality with sculptural expression. Best known for his iconic fiberglass seating and conversation-oriented swivel chairs, his designs embody a uniquely Brazilian modernism characterized by fluid forms, material innovation, and timeless appeal.

Today, Fasanello remains one of the most influential figures in twentieth-century Brazilian design, admired for work that continues to feel remarkably contemporary.

Hanna Englund is a Swedish ceramic artist based in Rio de Janeiro. With a background in fashion and product design across Stockholm and Shanghai, she turned to ceramics after moving to Brazil, drawn by the meditative and tactile nature of working with clay.

Her sculptural practice merges Scandinavian restraint with the organic vitality of Rio. Inspired by the human body and tropical landscapes, Englund creates hand-built and cast works that explore form, texture, and materiality. Often incorporating molds made from tropical fruits, her pieces celebrate the shapes and rhythms of Brazilian culture while maintaining a timeless and understated sensibility. Working from her Rio studio, she produces sculptures, lighting, and vessels distinguished by their raw elegance, material honesty, and enduring presence.

PROSA was created in 2021 by the couple Júlia Rovigo and Gabriel Pesca. An architect and a woodworker, respectively, this project emerged from their desire to combine their experiences and translate them into the design and execution of furniture.

PROSA is dedicated to extensive research and investigation of wood as a material. The studio revives knowledge and techniques from classic naval carpentry for the execution of its works, where strength and durability meet organic curves and forms.

All of their creations incorporate experimental elements in handling wood, seeking new ways to understand and explore its natural characteristics. Their products are made with a focus on nature, the people who inhabit it, and the future of the interaction between the two.

Studio Gaïa is a French design studio founded by Liza Mimouni and Deborah Elfassy in 2021. Rooted in a shared passion for craftsmanship and material exploration, the studio creates collectible furniture and objects that celebrate the natural beauty of stone, ceramic, and mineral surfaces through refined forms and meticulous detailing.

Working with exceptional materials sourced from skilled artisans, Studio Gaïa develops made-to-order pieces distinguished by timeless elegance, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a contemporary approach to natural materiality.