Ibiza interview: Natasha Collis

Written by Miss W on May 2, 2011

Photography by Maria Simon. Hair & make-up by Smack Ibiza.

For international fine jewellery designer Natasha Collis, setting up a thriving boutique and studio in Ibiza was never part of her original career plan. Rather, it was an organic process beginning with her fine arts training in London, stopping via New York where she discovered her talent for the trade, with a much-needed holiday in the north ultimately leading her to discover the place she now permanently calls home… and work!

Tell us about how you first discovered your talents for designing jewellery?
I originally studied at SLADE School of fine art as a fine painter and after winning their most coveted Travel Award, chose to study in New York. I was lucky enough to be invited to share studio space with international jeweler Jessica Rose and became curious in the practical side of the process of jewellery making. I found the intricate tools remarkably easy and satisfying to use and loved the feeling of creating something that encompassed my artistic side and was more dimensional. The rest is history…

From London to New York and then Ibiza – what brought you to the island?
I started coming to Ibiza seven years ago after being introduced to the island by an old school friend who had spent her family holidays here growing up. I had never experienced anything like it. I fell in love with its amazing energy and the beauty of the north part of the island. It was during this first experience that I met my partner Tim, who lived here.

What made you decide to relocate?
Mainly because of my relationship but also because I felt more creative here than at home. We initially planned to spend six months here and six months in London but we are still here five years later…

Does living in Ibiza make a difference to your creative process?
Here I have both the mental and physical space to be creative and to be inspired. I love the rough nature here in the north and its tranquility. Living in London and spending our holidays in my parents’ cottage in Wales, I was lucky to have the opposing experiences of country and city life, which has enabled me to adapt easily.

Is there anything in particular that inspires you?
My work is un-uniform and natural and I steer clear of anything that looks manufactured. I love the raw finishes in ancient Asian, African, Egyptian and Roman influences and I also love learning from the cultural differences in stying and wearing jewellery, such as the Spanish way of layering which is an area currently influencing my designs.

Do you travel a lot, with your collections?
I sell to stores all over the world and show in Paris twice a year so yes, I do get to travel quite a bit. For sanity’s sake, you have to leave the island a few times a year as Ibiza can become a bit of a bubble, but coming back always makes me appreciate the island more.

Where do you go to escape, in Ibiza?
Because the season is so hectic, I always make time in the afternoon to spend time with my family. We try to find quiet secluded spots away from the throngs like Cala Xarraca and S’illot… I also love to take the taxi boat from the Port of San Miquel to the Chiringuito on the island opposite, the food is lovely and simple and it’s a brilliant place to swim.

What’s your favourite thing about living in Ibiza?
I just love to walk and explore but I also love horse riding. I ride regularly at The Horse Country Club in Santa Gertrudis and on Sundays, when time allows, stop for a leisurely lunch and ride back. I also love that you can get a ‘social fix’ at any time of day or night, socialising, shopping or fine dining and then be back home, in my beautiful old finca, in five minutes.