1. Where were you born and where are you from ?

2. What is your first memory connected to the art world ?

3. Have you always worked in the art/design field ?

I spent some years in the tech field, working with state-of-the-art technologies in augmented and virtual reality, however, I would still affirm that my career has always been closely aligned with the art and design field.

4. What led you to the design creation ?

The pursuit of meaning in my life has been the driving force behind my journey into design creation. This profound search for purpose has guided me to where I am today, passionately engaged in the world of design.

5. How would you describe your creative process and it influences ?

My creative process is characterized by its laid-back and organic nature. I prefer to avoid forcing ideas or restricting myself with deadlines when developing new products or concepts. This approach allows for a more natural and authentic expression of creativity.

6. Could you describe a typical day of your work ?

When I started out, my days were spent thinking of new ideas and making prototypes. Now I find myself on most days dedicating a significant portion of my time to hand-sewing and moulding banaca fabric into lampshades to fulfill client orders. My work routine also involves handling packaging tasks, responding to emails, taking photos, and visiting suppliers. To maintain balance, I make it a point to incorporate a brief yoga sequence into my day and savor a comforting cup of frothy matcha.

7. Why did you choose the specific materials you work with ?

I chose to work with banaca textile because of their distinctive materiality, which captivates me, and their profound connection to my cultural roots. Collaborating directly with the skilled weavers in the Philippines, a tradition my mother initiated two decades ago, holds personal significance. Motivated by the challenges faced by families on the disaster-prone island of Catanduanes, I am committed to continuing and expanding this initiative. Supporting the banaca weaving industry not only creates sustainable employment opportunities but also aims to preserve a valuable tradition. My hope is to inspire the younger generation to embrace and perpetuate this cultural heritage in the face of natural disasters.

8. What are the technical particularities of your creations ?

The technical particularities of my creations begin with the unique use of textiles for lamp designs, a less conventional approach in this field. I invent new techniques to impart volume and structure to the pieces, demanding meticulous handwork. The intricate nature of the process renders mass production impractical, emphasizing the craftsmanship and individuality of each piece. The inherent qualities of the fabric contribute significantly to the character of the lamp, imparting a sense of transparency, softness, and a feeling of lightweightness.

9. What advices could you give to beginning artists who would like to create sculptural design works ?

My advice to aspiring artists venturing into sculptural design is to stay true to themselves and discover what truly ignites their passion. By investing 100% effort into their craft, success will inevitably follow at some point.

10. If your works had to belong to a design movement, in which one would you define it ?

Classifying my works within a specific design movement is a challenging task, as they don’t neatly fit into any historical categories. However, if pressed to choose a favorite design movement, I definitely find a connection with Art Nouveau. The movement’s incorporation of organic elements from nature and ethereal characteristics resonates strongly with the essence of my work.

11. What designers and artists have influenced you ?

The designers who have notably influenced me include Zaha Hadid, Iris van Herpen, and Neri Oxman. Zaha Hadid’s innovative and groundbreaking architectural designs have inspired my appreciation for fluid and futuristic forms, pushing the boundaries of conventional structures. Iris van Herpen’s avant-garde approach to fashion, particularly her use of 3D printing and unconventional materials, has influenced my perspective on blending technology with artistic expression. Additionally, Neri Oxman’s work at the intersection of design, technology, and biology has sparked my interest in biomimicry and the potential for sustainable and nature-inspired design.

12. What contemporary designers do you appreciate ?

Nacho Carbonell’s work captivates me due to its whimsical and almost fantastical nature. His unique approach to furniture design, often resembling living organisms or sculptural forms, resonates with my interest in blending functionality with artistic expression. 

Lindsey Adelman’s ability to create pieces that are both elegant and unconventional, often combining traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, aligns with my appreciation for the interplay of tradition and innovation in design.

David Wiseman’s ability to seamlessly integrate natural elements into his creations, whether it be through delicate porcelain or metalwork, resonates with my own fascination with the organic world.

13. What contemporary artists (in any kind of art) have you been inspired by ?

Yayoi Kusama’s immersive and avant-garde approach to art, particularly her iconic use of polka dots and repetitive patterns, resonates with my appreciation for the intersection of art and the viewer’s experience. 

Olafur Eliasson’s mastery in his use of natural elements such as light and water to evoke emotional responses underscores my belief in the power of art to elicit profound feelings.

14. If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be ?

15. Is there anything you would like to add?

Proust Questionnaire with very short answers (one or a few words) :
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust. Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde, Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)