Following our feature on Portuguese textile designer Vanessa Barragão (b. 1992), we sat down with her for an exclusive interview to explore what drew her to art and what continues to drive her creative practice today.
One of contemporary fiber art’s most compelling voices, she transforms her passion for the ocean and coral reefs into large-scale sculptural rugs and tapestries.
Read on to discover more about her journey and vision.
–
Hello Vanessa! Thank you for joining us. We’re excited to explore your artistic practice and learn what inspires your creative process.
We understand that your cultural background and upbringing have significantly shaped your work. Could you share more about how you first became interested in art?
Honestly, I think I’ve always been connected to it. I come from a very artistic family. I loved to draw and was very curious, which led me to ask both my grandmothers to teach me to crochet when I was still very little. My travels into nature and the deep connection I have with the sea really set me on the path I’m on today. It all just came together naturally.
Your commitment to conscious consumption and eco-friendly materials is evident throughout your work. How does this environmental philosophy influence your creative choices and artistic vision?
When I first started in this field, I realized the amount of waste the industry generated and saw how I could keep these materials from being thrown away. I started collecting them to give them a new life. This philosophy actually guides me throughout the process. It forces me to be more creative because I have to work with what I have rather than simply buy new materials.
How has your artistic practice transformed the way you see yourself and perceive the world around you?
It definitely taught me patience! Working with my hands forces me to slow down and really look at the details. I see textures and potential in everything now, whether in the pattern of the waves or in natural fibers. It has made me much more observant and appreciative of quiet moments in life.
Is there a particular piece that you feel best represents your artistic identity or journey?
That’s a tough question. With each collection I create, I try to give the pieces meaning related to something important to me, or perhaps a trip that inspired me. But if I had to choose one recently, I would say Perpétua. It is a piece I started while my grandmother was still alive. It bears her name and symbolizes the family we create together, the bonds we form, and the stories we share. It represents balance and roots.
Which reaction do you like your viewers to have in front of your artwork?
I want them to feel a sense of calm or connection. If someone stops in front of my work and just takes a deep breath, or feels a bit of that nostalgia for the ocean and nature, then I’ve done my part. I want it to be a pause button in their busy day.
If you could share one lesson from your artistic journey with an emerging artist, what mistake or challenge would you highlight first?
Enjoy the process of creation. It is very important to find your passion and just experiment a lot. The things I’ve achieved today were built over time through practice and technique. My advice? Just start. You don’t need a lot to begin. There are so many materials everywhere that we can use to create our own art. Make mistakes and start again. The mistakes are usually where the real magic happens anyway. Trust the process.
Spread the word! Do you have anything exciting on the horizon?
Yes! I’m currently working on a new collection. It is something that I tried a while ago, and now I’m revisiting it and developing something exciting. It will be heavier and involve a lot of experimentation, too. I can’t share too much yet, but I’m happy to share it very soon.
