I treasure my collection of fishing lures. I probably have over a hundred but, compared to someone who is truly serious, I’m just a beginner. These ones were a gift from my uncle-in-law Bojan. We use them when fishing from a friend’s boat in Pula, Croatia. Every time I see them, an instant state of mind rises: ‘Gone fishing.’ For me, fishing is a kind of meditation. It’s quiet, focused and completely free from distractions. There’s not much to do except wait and pay attention. Most of the time, nothing happens – and then, suddenly, something does.

I often take inspiration for my work from food and fishing lures. I’m fascinated by the richness of their colours; they are so strange and unusual, and always get my attention. For me, colour is very subjective. I vividly remember the first time I visited Nathalie Du Pasquier and George Sowden in Milan. I was surrounded by her paintings and sculptures, and his furniture and designs, including Memphis pieces, prototypes and sketches. I was at the start of my transition from graphic design to furniture and product design. What blew my mind was the total work in which I was immersed. Nathalie’s interactions of different hues influenced my idea of colour, dismantling theories and preconceptions about it.

In Italy, we have a saying: ‘Chi dorme non piglia pesci.’ It literally means ‘If you sleep, you catch no fish.’ It’s a simple idea, but I think it applies to life and work, too. I use fishing as a metaphor with my students for finding clients. Instead of chasing them, you prepare your tools, choose the right lure and wait. Most of the time, you catch a small fish, but sometimes, it’s a big one. These jigs remind me that good things don’t always come from running after them. They come from being ready, staying patient, paying attention – and being awake to opportunity! marcocampardo.com