Marta Alonso: connecting with the origin
For her, jewellery and also interior design are an act of self-care and self-love.
Photograph by Mario Wurzbuger
An interior designer by profession and for some years now, a jeweller. Marta Alonso is said to have the soul of an artist, and how could she not! Her curious mind, her interest in craftsmanship, her love of art and craftsmanship, her love of travelling and getting to know new cultures and her sensitivity connect her with the need to create.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
I introduce myself, I am Marta Alonso interior designer and jeweller from Barcelona. I am very restless. I love travelling, learning about other cultures and artistic creation. As a child I was always creating things and drawing. My dyslexia always led me to the creative and artistic side and that's how I decided to study design at the Elisava school. I remember that in the first year they showed you the different disciplines: graphic, product, interior design... and I immediately knew that interior design was my thing. Modifying a space, dignifying it, magnifying what characterises it, giving it personality... that's what fascinates me the most. And since then I haven't stopped.
But this is not the end of my story. After working for 15 years in different interior design studios in Barcelona, soaking up various experiences, interesting clients, etc. in 2016 I made the trip of a lifetime: I went to Japan and everything changed there. On my return I decided to give myself the time and space that my inner self was asking for and to give voice to my creativity. And so it was, I created my own interior design studio and launched my personal jewellery brand where I enjoy creating with complete freedom.
"For me, interior design and jewellery are an act of self-care and love for oneself".
What do you find most satisfying about your work, and is there anything you are particularly proud of?
To create a space that speaks of the person who will inhabit it, that represents him or her. Finding that balance and harmony of materials and shapes. And to think about good lighting that adapts to each mood. It is a basic requirement for good interior design, both residential and commercial.
One residential project I am proud of is the refurbishment of the Diagonal flat. The clients were fantastic. They were very clear about what they wanted, but best of all, they were free to propose options that led them to have a space in which they now feel happy. And like in another house, they tell me. They had been living in the house for 35 years. I was delighted when they told me about it. They felt they had been rejuvenated.
Also, thinking about interiors that are going to last over time is an aspect to take into consideration, because it aligns with my philosophy of taking care of our planet and sustainability.
Photographs by Mario Wurzbuger
What is your creative process like, what are your sources of inspiration, any particular music while working?
Before I start designing, I always ask them questions and have a first exchange with the client, so I get an idea of what they are like, what moves them and what attracts them. With that, they start to build up images of textures and appearance. Then I move on to the drawing and ordering process. With that I visualise images, textures... I draw on a plan, I look for functionality and order in the space, the incidence of natural light... While I do this process, the textures, materials, lighting and furniture take shape. I like to have physical samples of materials to put them together and see how the tone of the project is developing.
I am very influenced by Japan, Nordic countries and Catalan rationalist design. These references are always very present. But many times, visiting an exhibition, going to a city and experiencing genuine spaces are a source of inspiration.
I go along with a lot of jazz, some classical music and some current independent bands (Thievery Corporation, Quantic, Khruangbinetc.) depending on what I'm doing, I listen to one or the other.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
I like green/blue-grey very much for its serenity and off-white is always present.
Book, oh my! I'm going to have a hard time deciding. Look, the one I read recently and which has given me a lot is: A treatise on Japanese aesthetics by Donald Richie.
Spring, summer, autumn, winter, winter... and spring.. Kim Ki-duc, when I saw it at the time I loved it for its simplicity and depth.
In a Silent Way by Miles Davis, a delight.
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, if you treasure a collection... And if you have a pet, introduce it to us!
Yes, my house is very me. I now live in a typical modernist flat (mouldings, hydraulic floors and high ceilings), but in the Gracia neighbourhood. These elements speak of my need to respect the identity of the space and, at the same time, give it visual richness. This allows me to add more neutral furniture, some with more personality, lamps for every occasion (which I love) and a large bookcase.
I like to surround myself with design objects or artisan creations that I fall in love with. Some photographs from my trip to Japan and some miniprints from the MiniPrint Gallery in Cadaqués. I love the gallery owner, a very interesting and authentic woman, I recommend visiting the exhibition they do every summer.
I am also accompanied by my two cats, Ume and Silvestre. They make me laugh every now and then, because of their faces and poses. Great masters of observation, calm and understanding that it's ok to do nothing, a great reminder, very advisable for the stressed society we live in.
Photograph by Mario Wurzbuger
The Objekto lamp and some of the photos from the trip to Japan and the Thonet chair, a classic.
TMM lamp by Santa And Cole, print by Drawnfeeling some handicraft and in the foreground Silvestre.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
A Rothko, Chillida or Brancusi would fascinate me!
A great plan at home always includes...
Music and laughter with friends.
Do you have a signature dish?
I'm not much of a cook, and what I do is very basic, a wok curry, for example.
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
The Miró Foundation in Barcelona.
Museum of contemporary art of Teshima on Teshima Island, Japan.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
My jewellery-making side, especially the artistic and signature side. I love creating contemporary jewellery pieces, I give free rein to my creativity. Some of these contemporary pieces are exhibited at the Siesta Gallery in Barcelona.
I invite you to visit my jewellery website so that you can see my jewellery side.
Photography Medea Studio
