Gabriela de Sagarminaga

Basketweaver

©Sagarminaga Atelier

Passion for fibres

Gabriela works with vegetable fibres
Her pieces are connected to the environment
Vision and constancy characterise her work

After a trip through Latin America, Gabriela de Sagarminaga felt the need to work with her hands as a way to balance body, mind and environment. Upon returning to Spain, she investigated different craft techniques as well as the territory where these techniques could be found. Once in Madrid, she was able to research extensively on esparto grass (gold fibre) and learn about its importance and significance in the development of Spanish culture and its position in the economic market. Since then, her work has been closely related to vegetable fibres and the way they transfer their meanings to interiors to bring nature into spaces and turn them into natural landscapes that help people with their sense of well-being.

Interview

©Sagarminaga Atelier

©Sagarminaga Atelier

Is there a relationship between your work and the environment?: In each project I work on I seek to link my pieces to the heritage of the region through fibres, traditional techniques and by drawing inspiration from historical art references specific to the place where they will be exhibited.
What influences your work?: Vernacular art and architecture, the Bauhaus movement, and European and Asian basket weaving: to name a few.
How would you define your work?: I create pieces that speak to our personal history and connect us to our environment. I try to use vegetable textures as a symbol of nature and as a vehicle for transmitting our culture.
What do you usually enjoy most when you practice your profession?: Accepting new challenges and searching for my idea of perfection. The movement – moving forward and progressing – the freedom that comes hand in hand with knowledge.

Gabriela de Sagarminaga is a rising star: she began her career in 2017 and she started teaching in 2022