Dawa
Victoria Gilles Fernández is a graphic designer and potter from Buenos Aires, Argentina, now based in Manchester, UK. All of her work is made using hand-building techniques and each piece is unique- with every piece standing out for its peculiarities. Her work is a constant reminder of where she comes from, where she is and where she is going. She uses colour and patterns as a way to highlight form, taking inspiration from art history, native Latin American cultures, heritage, and the need to reconnect with nature and rituals. Victoria wants to bring a bit of her own culture and vision of the world while adding joy to each space. Read Victoria’s interview with trobat and shop her exclusive collection of pieces on trobat.co below
I make ceramics. I first experimented with clay in 2017 in a workshop in Buenos Aires, where I completely fell in love with it. Working with clay transported my mind to a better place and changed how I perceived art and design as a whole.
Well, I guess art and craft have always been a part of me. Growing up I was really into photography, fashion, dance, drawing, painting and film. When it was time to go to Uni, I decided on Graphic Design which was great, but I always felt I was missing something. I worked as a graphic designer for many years until a point when I was feeling burnt out. I went on to do a postgraduate degree in Design Theory, and at the same time, I discovered clay. I think the combination of those moments marked a before and after in my life, as well as the widening of my understanding of the relations between art, craft and design and the beginning of my professional practice in ceramics.
I think I’m more inspired by nature, music, memories or thoughts of people, landscapes and places than by specific artists. Though, of course, abstract artists such as the Albers, Rodchenko, and the Bauhaus, in general, are huge influences, as well as Latin American crafts movements.
I work from Clay Studio in South Manchester, where I share the space with other talented makers in all career stages.
I would invite my friends and family. We would have some really good pizzas at a plant-filled terrace on a warm summer night with good music.
I really liked the film “Everything, Everywhere All At Once”. A great example of how good ideas can be simple yet super creative and imaginative. I’m currently reading “El diseño indígena argentino” by Alejandro Fiadone, which I’m loving and it’s such an inspiration.
I think I would have been an archaeologist. Or a dancer.
