PROCESS
Form emerges from decisions
At Kostylo Atelier, each work emerges through an encounter between material, form and intention. Stone, brass and bronze are shaped and refined through distinct techniques, including carving, hand-chasing, polishing, patination and gilding. Throughout the process, technical knowledge serves artistic vision. The objective is not simply to master a material, but to discover what gives an object its own identity.
Material Integrity
Every material introduces its own possibilities and limitations. The natural structure of stone, the weight of bronze and the reflective qualities of gilded brass influence the development of each work. These characteristics are not concealed; they become part of the work’s identity.
Proportion and Presence
Scale alone does not determine the presence of an object. Relationships between mass, surface, volume and empty space are considered throughout its development. Even the smallest element contributes to the coherence of the whole.
The Role of Light
Light is more than a means of illumination. It reveals geological structures, distinguishes polished surfaces from raw textures and alters the perception of volume. In certain works, integrated light becomes part of the sculptural composition itself.
The Artist’s Judgement
Technical mastery makes a work possible. Judgement determines what it becomes. From modelling and metal refinement to polishing, patination and gilding, each stage involves decisions about what should be refined, preserved or left untouched. A work is complete when further intervention would no longer strengthen its character.
Studies in Material and Form
The following works and material studies reveal how individual decisions, material properties and technical processes contribute to the character of each object.
Ceremonial openwork relief
A commissioned heraldic composition translated into solid brass through modelling, casting and hand-finishing. The relationship between lettering, symbolic motifs and open space transforms the emblem into an architectural relief, giving visual identity a distinct physical presence.
Sculptural hinge mechanism
A hinge is often treated primarily as a functional component. Here, its form receives the same attention as the object it supports. Shaped in brass, the mechanism becomes an integral part of the sculptural composition, allowing movement itself to contribute to the object's identity.
Gilded monogram
A monogram gives physical form to identity. Constructed in brass and finished with 23-karat gilding, the work transforms a graphic sign into a sculptural object defined by relief, proportion and light.
Large Butterfly - Sculptural Belt Buckle
A butterfly motif is translated into a sculptural composition of gilded brass and selected striped flint. The work brings together artistic intention and the singular character of stone, uniting a deliberately shaped form with the material's individual pattern.
Lotus Flower - Ring Sculpture
The lotus form is developed in brass and finished with 23-karat gilding. The natural pattern of selected striped flint introduces a contrast to the deliberately shaped metal. Through this relationship, a botanical motif acquires a distinct sculptural character.
Butterfly Bas-Relief
The butterfly is interpreted through the depth and contour of a gilded brass relief. Set against striped flint, its figurative form creates a visual relationship with the stone's natural pattern, bringing together two distinct structures within a single composition.
Figural jewelry box
An early work in the development of the atelier's visual language. Constructed in brass and finished with 23-karat gilding, the box brings together figurative sculpture, ornament and functional construction within a single composition.
Tsarist Eagles - Figural Jewellery Box
The double-headed tsarist eagles form the sculptural identity of this brass object, rather than serving as applied ornament. Individually modelled and refined by hand, their heraldic forms establish a dialogue between symbolism, proportion and functional structure. Finished with 23-carat gilding, the work reflects an approach in which craftsmanship is guided by the integrity of the composition.
Ceremonial Green - Sculptural Presentation Case
The deep-green wooden case forms an integral part of the presentation rather than serving as conventional packaging. Developed and refined by hand within Kostylo Atelier, its restrained geometry establishes a relationship between protection, proportion and the objects it contains. The composition reflects an approach in which presentation becomes an extension of the work itself.
Sculptural belt buckle
The striped flint forms the visual centre of this sculptural brass buckle, its natural banding establishing a contrast with the controlled geometry of the surrounding metalwork. Shaped and refined by hand within Kostylo Atelier, the brass structure is finished with gilding, bringing together mineral character, proportion and functional construction. The work reflects an approach in which ornament emerges from the relationship between material and form rather than from decoration alone.
Prancing Horse - Sculptural Modelling
The rearing horse is developed as a study of movement, balance and contained energy rather than a reproduction of a familiar emblem. Modelled by hand in sculpting clay, the figure establishes its character through the relationship between gesture, anatomical proportion and sculptural tension. The process reflects an approach in which the integrity of the form is resolved before its translation into metal.
Kalmars - Sculptural Desk Object
The composition brings together gilded brass, striped flint and functional elements for writing instruments and a smartphone within a disciplined geometric structure. Each brass component is shaped, silver-soldered and refined by hand within Kostylo Atelier, establishing a relationship between material, proportion and function. The work reflects an approach in which everyday utility is integrated into a coherent sculptural form rather than treated as a separate design requirement.
Kalmars - Art Deco Sculptural Desk Object
The composition is defined by the relationship between gilded brass, striped flint and the geometric structure of a contemporary desk object. Hand-shaped, silver-soldered and refined within Kostylo Atelier, the brass elements are finished with 23-carat gilding, establishing a dialogue between reflective surfaces and the natural rhythm of the stone. The work reflects an approach in which function is integrated into the architectural clarity of the composition rather than imposed upon it.
Full Harmony - Sculptural Lotus Ring
The lotus form is developed as a sculptural structure in which eight individually shaped brass petals surround and protect a central piece of striped flint. Hand-cut, silver-soldered and refined within Kostylo Atelier, the composition is finished with 23-carat gilding, establishing a relationship between the disciplined geometry of the metal and the natural rhythm of the stone. The work reflects an approach in which symbolism, material and craftsmanship are brought together through the integrity of the sculptural form.
Gilded Brass Lettering - Sculptural Wall Composition
The brass letters are developed as individual sculptural elements, brought together with a wall clock to form a unified composition. Shaped, refined by hand and finished with 23-carat gilding within Kostylo Atelier, their forms establish a relationship between typography, proportion and architectural space. The work reflects an approach in which lettering moves beyond conventional signage to become an integral part of the interior's visual identity.
Gilded Brass - Sculptural Wall Clock
The clock is developed as a sculptural composition in which timekeeping is integrated into the disciplined geometry of gilded brass. Each component is shaped and refined by hand within Kostylo Atelier, while individually finished hour markers establish a measured rhythm across the dial. Completed with 23-carat gilding, the work reflects an approach in which material, proportion and craftsmanship define the character of the object beyond its functional purpose.