Isa Hasanli

Leatherworker

Lockdown orders

Isa started making leather products during lockdown
His works are mostly inspired by Italian leather and fashion
He works with many different skin types – goat, cobra, vegetable

While studying in Italy, Isa Hasanli witnessed the rich legacy of fine leather craftsmanship first-hand, and after his return to Azerbaijan, in 2020, he opened a workshop, where he began exploring and developing his leatherworking techniques. This was Isa's first go at working with leather and the lockdowns of 2020 allowed him the time to experiment with the material. He learned most of what he knows by watching online videos of leather masters, though he had done some engraving on finished leather at university in Italy. He now crafts a variety of leather objects, such as wallets, bracelets and belts. His distinguishing feature is that he makes sure to work according to customers’ wishes and to incorporate in his work any requested drawing, lettering, date or ornamentation.

Interview

How did you get into leatherwork?: I started practising this craft during the first lockdown in 2020. I decided to make leather products from scratch. I learned by watching videos on YouTube and made my first wallet using forks, nails, and knives, so I can say I am self-taught.
How would you describe your craft?: If I expressed it in one sentence, I would say “to create from nothing”. If you give me a piece of leather, I will give it a life with my creativity. Leather products have this feature: they age with you, it is as if they live.
What is special about your products?: Firstly, because I studied in Italy, there are traces of Italian leatherwork in my pieces. However, the main thing that distinguishes my work is that there are traces of the clients who requested the pieces.
What are your recommendations to young artisans?: Enthusiasm and patience are musts. I do not recommend starting learning on YouTube. It was a very difficult process for me. Working with a master to ask questions and get quick answers is much better.

Isa Hasanli is a rising star: he began his career in 2020