FL–Miami-based luxury atelier DASHA debuts with a series of bespoke good luck charm art objects. Using traditional amulets such as the eye, four-leaf clover, Chai, and Hamsa symbols, DASHA pays homage to the rich history of good luck charms across cultures. This new iteration of good luck charm sculptures by DASHA speaks to our universal desire for protection while embodying the symbolism of good fortune.
“We came up with the idea for DASHA out of a desire to create more hope and as a way to help others welcome luck and good fortune into their living spaces,” said founders Shana and Dan Benchetrit. “We believe in the power of symbolism to create a harmonious connection between art and positivity. These symbols are powerful reminders of who came before us and how these talismans have brought comfort, hope, and positivity to people across the world for centuries.Though different cultures embrace different symbols, we see good luck charms as inherently inclusive and an entryway for people to feel a sense of pride in their cultural heritage while bringing a symbol of protection into their homes.”
Luck (green) 2024 Polished Crystalline Resin 46 x 50 x 18 cm
Protection (blue) 2024 Polished Crystalline Resin 32 x 50 x 18 cm
What makes this collection cross-cultural?
When we had the idea to create this collection, our goal was to spread joy, serenity, protection, comfort and optimism to a large audience. Our 4 symbols–the eye, the four-leaf clover, the Chai, and the Hamsa symbols–are lucky charms that are drawn from different cultures around the world. We see these symbols as powerful reminders of who came before us and how these talismans have brought comfort, hope, and positivity to people across the world for centuries. Our collection also explores the idea of how society and culture gives new meaning and redefine symbols and ideas over time.
What inspired their style and aesthetics?
We wanted to create very optimistic designs with bright colors to deliver a message of hope and light in this uncertain time. This is why we chose crystalline resin, which is a very strong and transparent material that illuminates beautifully, letting light pass through it. Depending on the weather and the quality of light, the sculptures have the capacity to take on subtly different identities. As for the symbols, they are easily recognizable on purpose because we wanted people to feel like they could recognise and connect with all of them.
To Life (amber) 2024 Polished Crystalline Resin 42 x 50 x 18 cm
What’s the main message behind these pieces?
There are a few messages behind these pieces:
The First message is that through art, people can connect and find common interest. We wanted our work to have a peaceful and positive impact on people. The second message involves the crystal resin material itself, which we intentionally add cracks and imperfections to inside the sculpture. Metaphorically, we saw this is a representation of the fact that life is not always perfect, it’s full of obstacles and discomfort but we always have to see the light and to rely on positive energy to go through this difficult journey.
Finally, we simply wanted to explore the interaction between light and color as central part of these sculptures. Aesthetically, this interplay is a central component of the sculptures’ identity. As part of our process, we’ve always been interested in color theory and especially in working with a transparent material like resin, the ways in which the color shifts and becomes more dynamic is fascinating. Our creative process really leads with a sense of trying to find harmony and balance.
How did you two decide to start this brand?
We were living in Paris, but moved to Miami 9 years ago to start a family and a new life there. We’ve both worked in the art world for many years (myself working as an art dealer and Dan as a Designer and Gallery Director) but the idea for DASHA has
been in development for a long time. I like the idea of exploring this crossover space between art and design and felt that the best format for exploring the themes we were interested in with DASHA was the crystalline resin sculpture at a scale that gave them the quality of both a sculpture and design object.
Dan and I have three children and a busy life. As a working mom, it can sometimes feel challenging to balance everything and also feel stimulated creatively, but
DASHA has provided a wonderful outlet for me as a creator as the idea has taken shape over the years. Also, with the constant news cycle in the world that can so often feel bleak and draining, I saw DASHA as a catalyst for spreading positivity, hope, and connectivity between people in some way.
What attracts you the most about symbolism?
We both grew up in families with origins in North Africa–Tunisia on my Father’s side, Algeria on my mother’s side, and Morocco on Dan’s side–where, the symbols of the eye and the Hamsa are culturally symbols of protection. In my house they were all over the place. I’ve always been attracted to them because I guess it has always been part of my life. From this foundational knowledge of the symbols that surrounded me as a child, I became interested in learning more about the symbols embraced by other cultures around the world and their respective origins. Through my research, I found it fascinating to learn about how the symbols have been a source of pride in cultural heritage for many, but also in many ways inherently inclusive to others.
How do you guys work together creatively? What’s the dynamic and process?
I (Shana) had this idea in mind for years and Dan is extremely creative. He is the one who realizes all the drawings, sketches, three dimensional rendering, and technical development. I have been more involved with research and selection of the actual symbols. We work together as an amazing team on the designs and color choices. I also take care of all the communication, and we both deal with all the material suppliers, shipping and logistics. Working together on this has been quite seamless and fun and a new creative journey for the both of us.
What is coming next in your creative and entrepreneurial journey?
We have lots of ideas in development for DASHA which include new lucky symbols, materials and more. We’re very excited for what’s coming soon!
