Argentinian textile artist Lia Porto grew up in Patagonia and has lived in Buenos Aires since she was 17. Trained as a painter she discovered textiles later in her practice and her richly embroidered and textured work currently centres around “the concept of the world as an entangled space where there is no way to avoid mutual influence, despite borders or limits.”

What is your background in textiles?

I trained as a painter and spent many years developing my practice before I incorporated textile into my work when I was looking for a form that gave volume.

At the time I was doing many experimental works with the objective of creating autonomous pieces (with their own mechanism for hanging and with the shape of the image itself not confined by the limits of the frame). I also wanted to go from two dimensional pieces to three dimensional ones.  Or to combine both qualities in the same work. 

What is it about textiles as an art form that appeals to you? 

I always had an emotional relationship with domestic hand embroidery pieces.  My Italian grandmother had lots of hand made sheets of linen with embroideries, Italian silk bedspreads, crochet yard curtains, even amazing silk blouses.  She died when I was four years old and I treasured all these items as a legacy.  I also have memories of some pieces that combined silk with ñanduti , bought for my Italian grandfather who had boats that travelled to Paraguay. 

These objects have always inspired my artistic practice. As a matter of fact, I have a whole series of paintings named “Embroideries” made in 2010, way before I ever thought of doing textile art.

I find that textile is a medium has a natural attitude to express and connects intimate and cultural concerns.  I see domestic space as a place of research as it is so permeable to both the natural and the cultural process. I’m working with the idea of hybridization or “mixtura”, guided by the concept of the world as an entangled space where there is no way to avoid mutual influence, despite borders or limits.  We are always interacting, being influenced and influencing our media.  Even from the very private space of our own home.  

My installation “La Toma” presents a domestic space that is captured by roots and plants.  I worked with hand embroidery and wrapping on armchairs, carpet, curtains. This permeability to natural forces is part of my interests. 

Currently my “Hibridaciones” series composes of pieces that I named “estandartes” ( “banners”) in which I work with a mix of fabrics, trimmings and images, carrying a diversity of cultural signs, that I integrate through ornament.

What techniques do you use?

Hand sewing, embroidering and wrapping. I’m not using machines at the moment.

How do you describe your work?

I prefer to describe my process and ideas and let the viewer be the one to describe the work itself.  I can say that all my process is characterised by permanence.  All the pieces have been inhabited by me for a while. 

How do you create a piece?

The creation of each piece is a very unique process. I go into each work eager to find what is new in it. I do not sketch, nor make samples. I go directly to the piece with a big idea, mostly conceptual, and then allow the piece to develop in that frame. In all raw pieces in my new series “Hibridaciones” I am deconstructing patterns of upholstery fabrics to produce ornaments connecting European and American elements.  That is the main idea, and then each piece is a new opportunity to explore it.

Where do you work? 

I have a studio which is very close to my house.  I work both at home and at my studio.

I know this is a hard question but how long does a bigger piece take?

It depends on the piece, usually a couple of months. 

What are you most proud of in your art career so far?

Going into art in the first place meant a big change in my life. It was a bold step I made and I’m proud of it.

Do you have any advice for aspiring textile artists?

Don’t loose the connection with the contemporary. And have patience, because textile is challenging in bth time and in “productivity” terms.

Where can people purchase or see your work? 

I have some works in Miami, and in Madrid but most of my work is in Buenos Aires.  I sell my paintings internationally through Saatchi Art, though my textiles can only be purchased contacting me directly. 

www.liaporto.com 

https://www.saatchiart.com/liaporto

https://www.facebook.com/lia.porto.5

https://www.instagram.com/liaporto_art/