Plant Based Design Residency #3 - Palm
Inspired by the traditional elliptical or round shapes used in palm basketry, the collection resulting in the Passa Ao Futuro residency organised between designer Joana Astolfi and craftswomen Sónia Mendez & Susana Mendez is based on the simple gesture of folding them in half, creating a space for carrying or storing objects.
About
1 – 12 April 2024 | Loulé, Portugal | Passa Ao Futuro
Designer: Joana Astolfi, Craftswomen: Sónia Mendez and Susana Mendez
Designer Joana Astolfi collaborated with craftswomen Sónia Mendez and Susana Mendez. Together they created a small collection “Ó la ri Loulé, Ó la ri Loulé” of bags created in the south of Portugal, where nature vibrates and time passes slowly. The residency took place and was made in partnership with Loulé Criativo
“Ó la ri Loulé, Ó la ri Loulé” is a collection, originated during the residency, of bags created in the south of Portugal, where nature vibrates and time passes slowly. Inspired by the traditional elliptical or round shapes used in palm basketry, this collection is based on the simple gesture of folding them in half, creating a space for carrying or storing objects. The result is a pochette, a tote bag and a magazine or newspaper rack for the home.
Playful elements have also been introduced, not only through embroidery, which traditionally were used to decorate this type of palm-made item, but also with the handles, in vibrant colors of blue and red, made with cotton thread on the ‘inkle’ loom. Attention to every detail celebrates this collection of handmade, contemporary bags, made with love by a mother and daughter.
Ó la ri Loulé, ó la ri Loulé , Palm Pochette, 20 x 40 cm; Ó la ri Loulé, ó la ri Loulé, Palm Tote bag, 61 x 42 cm; Ó la ri Loulé, ó la ri Loulé , Palm Magazine/Newspaper rack, 40 x 39 x 8cm; photos: Inês Silva Sá, Passa Ao Futuro
Designer:
Joana Astolfi (b. Lisbon, 1975) is an architect, artist and designer who draws visual inspiration from a broad universe of found objects and artifacts, with particular focus on history and narrative. Astolfi completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture in England, graduating with Distinction. She lived and worked for twelve years outside of Portugal, including London, Italy, Munich and Los Angeles. During two years in Venice, she was part of the team at FABRICA Creative Research Centre. Since 2014 Studio Astolfi has been responsible for the design of the window displays of Hermès in Portugal. Her extensive list of clients also includes Vitra, Discovery Land, Claus Porto, L’Oréal and De La Espada. More>>
Craftswoman:
Sónia Mendez, born in Venezuela, came to Portugal when she was eight years old and, from an early age, a taste and interest in the arts awakened in her. She creates modern pieces without forgetting ancestral techniques and valuing the finest materials. Sónia learned how to work with palm from her maternal grandmother between the ages of 8 and 15 and later, around the age of 17, she made this art her profession until today. Over the years, Sónia has trained in various areas of decorative arts, including porcelain painting, in which she was a trainer for around 7 years. More recently, she’s also combining clay and palm to create decorative and utilitarian pieces. More>>
