Meet Versiliy

Sara Diederich
2 days ago
4 min read

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I am from Saint Petersburg, a city many people call the cultural capital of Russia because of its architecture, museums, and strong artistic atmosphere. Nature there feels familiar and predictable, and for a long time I was always wondering what nature might look like on another planet.

When I moved to California, this question became real for me. In just a short drive you can move through deserts, forests, mountains, beaches, and wetlands. Every place has its own seeds, cones, bark patterns, and natural shapes. And the ocean algae felt like an entirely different universe.

From a biological point of view algae are fascinating. They are older than trees. Some kelp species can grow more than two feet in a single day. Giant kelp can reach the height of a ten story building. And algae are not plants, they belong to a separate branch of life.

How did you get your start?

I got my start by following curiosity. When I arrived in California I began gathering small fragments of nature from every place I visited. At one point I found a piece of ocean algae and tried to keep its shape, and it refused. It shrank, twisted, curled, and behaved like something alive. Nothing in my background prepared me for that.

There were no instructions and no traditions for shaping algae, so I began experimenting on my own. It took years of trial, failure, and discovery. That is how my work began. Not from a planned career path, but from meeting a material that challenged me.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

The hardest part is that most attempts never become real pieces. Algae is unpredictable. Some rot during the process. Some collapse or twist into shapes that cannot be used. Only a small part of everything I start with survives.

Over time I became better at reading the material. I learned how to recognize which pieces have the strength and structure to last. After hundreds of experiments I can now predict durability much more confidently, and I offer a three year warranty on my work.

Another challenge I face is the impossibility of creating identical pieces. Each form grows and changes in its own way, so every artifact is unique. This is exciting from an artistic perspective, but it also affects the practical side of the work. Each piece needs its own name, its own photos, and its own listing. Many jewelers work with repeatable designs that allow efficient production, and I respect that approach. Algae is simply different.

The good thing is that more people today value the individuality of local handcraft. Many want something that carries a personal touch and a clear origin, rather than something created through anonymous mass production or in places where working conditions are unclear.

What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?

My favorite piece is the hanging basket in the photo. The frame and the vessel are made entirely from algae, and the inside holds preserved green moss. It feels special to me because it became a true wall sculpture rather than jewelry. It is also one of the most complex objects I have ever shaped. The curves had to stay balanced while drying, and the structure had to remain very light while still holding its form. It is also one of my largest works, about one foot in length. It represents a moment when I realized how far this material can go.

What do you love most about Pasadena?

What I love most about Pasadena is the feeling of a quiet European city inside Los Angeles. The architecture, the trees, and the slow rhythm of the streets create a very calm atmosphere. It is full of green spaces and it feels clean and well cared for. I also enjoy the art shows and cultural events here. Pasadena gives the sense of a community that is creative, organized, and welcoming

I couldn't agree more! What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?

A fun fact about me is that I never planned to become an artist. I started by collecting small natural objects during walks, and somehow that turned into my entire creative path. People are usually surprised to learn that my process involves a fair amount of physical and food grade chemical experimentation. I will not reveal the details, but I can say that my studio often feels more like a laboratory than a traditional art space.

I am a firm believer in that wherever we are meant to be, we just will! Anything special you'd like to share? Recently at events people have been asking me for custom algae pieces such as rings, chains, or even ceiling lamps. I am already working on some of these ideas, and a few will be available soon. I would also love to hear what readers would be excited to see made from algae. If you have a suggestion, feel free to email me or message me on Instagram. I am always curious about what forms this material should take next.