Art and textile functionality: Interview with Clara Sullà
Fashion designer? Interior designer? Acoustic engineer? The work of Clara Sullà has a bit of all these disciplines, but she defines herself as a textile artist.
In addition to functionality, her work has a lot of art. And as a good artist-craftswoman, she has a special sensitivity for the materials she works with, knowing how to appreciate the fabrics with almost all the senses: "The touch, the smell, the visual effect and even the sound". The only thing missing is taste, but after getting to know her work, we can say that the taste is ours.
Tell us about yourself and your work.
I am Clara Sullà, textile artist and founder of textile design studio Sullà Studiowhere we design and create textile art for acoustic comfort and sensory decoration, applying it to acoustic absorption panels for indoor public spaces such as restaurants, hotel halls, conference rooms, offices, etc.
We help interior designers, decorators, architects and those responsible for public spaces to differentiate themselves by bringing beauty, comfort and sensoriality to their projects and solving their echo and reverberation problems.
Where was your vocation born?
I have dedicated my whole life to art. My passion for fabrics comes from my grandmother, she was an embroiderer in a clothing shop and she taught me to recognise the sensations that fabrics transmit: the touch, the smell, the visual effect and even their sound.
Today, I use textile materials as the main creative element. Because fabrics have great expressive potential and can communicate sensations that humanise public spaces.
What do you find most satisfying about your work?
What satisfies me most about my work is that it allows me to bring well-being, calm and pleasure to people. These are values with which I fully identify. When the user of a space feels at ease, enjoys a quiet conversation and can see beauty in their surroundings, I know that I am doing my bit to make their life more pleasant.
Textiles have great expressive potential and can communicate sensations that humanise public spaces.
Any work you are particularly proud of?
The restaurant Nena Covelocated in the spectacular medieval village of Peratallada, is a clear example. The owner and chef, Carme Ramilans, transmits great creativity through her exquisite gastronomy and her taste for the decoration of the space. However, they had a serious echo reverberation problem that caused a lot of discomfort to the diners and even to the restaurant workers.
For them we designed and created "El Cielo de Cala Nena", an intervention on the ceiling of the dining room, made to measure 100% to respect the history and architecture of the premises. It is an acoustic absorption installation covered with textile art, consisting of 25,500 white fabric balls, as if it were a big fluffy cloud.
We are very satisfied because, not only have we solved the acoustic problem, but, according to the client, the space has gained in beauty, comfort and uniqueness. She says that the customers feel so comfortable that they hardly want to leave the restaurant and that most of their customers come through word of mouth. I have always thought that when an experience touches you, you remember it and you recommend it. For this reason, "El Cielo de Cala Nena" is a good proof of this.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I have two main sources of inspiration: On the one hand - and like so many artists - nature. I am particularly attracted to organic yet regular shapes, such as petals, scales, leaves, etc.
And on the other hand, the fabrics themselves; I am inspired by their texture, their touch, their colours and the movement that each one offers; it's a whole world for me!
What is your creative process like?
My creative process is very much marked by two techniques that might seem contrary but complement each other: I use innovative technological tools (such as laser cutting machines, digital printing, ultrasonic quilting, etc.) combined with a completely handmade process.
Technology allows me to provide very professional finishes and qualities, as well as to work on a large scale, while the handmade process gives it the unique stamp, that which you cannot achieve with machines and which gives the project its personality..
Any special music while working?
When I'm working in the studio creating new designs I'm usually either in silence (when I need to concentrate) or listening to classical or piano music. I have always been very inspired by Ludovico Einaudi and I never get tired of listening to him.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order!
I love cheerful colours, I avoid earth tones when dressing up and I love the infinite shades of white when working.
I am often accompanied by the books of Joe Dispenza (published in Spanish by Urano Editions and by The Book Sphere), because with them I discover an infinite world and what is more fascinating: the great potential we humans have to live the life we want.
If you ask me for a film, I'll name the trilogy "Three Colours: Blue, White, Red" by Krzysztof Kieślowski. Maybe a bit old, but it had a great impact on me at the time and I am fascinated by the sensoriality and art that each of the films conveys.
But there is also a documentary on Netflix that has changed my life. It is called "Minimalism: the important things"..
I like music from several different genres, but since I was talking about Ludovico Einaudi, I'll stick with his "Una Mattina".
Is your home a reflection of who you are? Tell us what it smells like, your favourite corner, your favourite decorative object or piece of furniture?
The best thing about my house is that it has lots of natural light, it is not too big, light colours predominate, it is usually tidy and there is not too much stuff piled up because I often like to go through what I no longer use and get rid of it. Since I have been living in Sweden I have got into the habit of lighting candles, especially on winter nights. Most of the rooms are decorated with a piece of my artwork. Textile elements such as the sofa, cushions, bed, sheets, have been carefully selected to provide a feeling of warmth and a pleasant touch..
Do you have a pet? Introduce it to us!
I don't have a pet at the moment, but I have 2 felt animals hanging on a wall, which are adorable and keep us company, I guess they are a reflection of my world!
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
Right now you catch me in the middle of COVID-19 confinement. We have been cooped up indoors for 17 days now and I really miss an aromatic scent that I used to use to fill the house with a fresh, pleasant smell and relaxing properties. In these exceptional moments, desires become simple and essential.
A great plan at home always includes...
My partner and my family, a good home-cooked meal and a good table.
Do you have a signature dish?
I love making healthy bread with buckwheat flour and chia seeds. It's super easy and very digestive (link to the recipe in our Stories). Since I learned how to make it, we hardly ever buy bread anymore and it has become a recurring gift that is usually very well received.
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
Although I'm originally from Barcelona, I've been living in a village in the Empordà for some time now. My favourite place in Barcelona is the Plaça Virreina in the district of Gràcia.
The place where my heart and soul live is the Baix Empordà.
And the cities where I have lived and where I would return as often as I can are Vienna and Umeå in northern Sweden.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
I'm very excited to tell you about a new project I'm working on. The truth is that I have been made to sign a confidentiality contract, so I will refrain from naming names, but I can tell you what it is about:
A company of art consulting (they decorate hotels such as the Hilton, Sheraton, Palace in New York, etc. with professional art) has commissioned me to design and create a piece of textile art for the wall of one of their clients, a prestigious hotel in the centre of Madrid.
It is a work of great dimensions that we will carry out with the tapestry technique, so I have surrounded myself with the best artisans specialised in this technique, so that they can join my team and together we can carry out this promising and ambitious project. I am very excited because it is an honour for me to work with both my client and my team of collaborators.
You can see Clara's fantastic work on the website of Sullà Studioand don't forget to follow his professional adventures at Instagram and in LinkedIn.
