Chilean textile artist Paula Ceroni uses her version of the technique of pulling threads in one or more layers of fabric. The results are beautifully coloured pieces often with stunning gradated colours which give the art a kinetic energy all of its own. “It is an action of revealing what already existed.” 

Firstly where did you grow up and where do you live now? 

I grew up and currently live in Santiago, Chile, but I also lived a couple of years in Berkeley, California.

What is your background in textiles?

I have a degree in Aesthetics and another one in Art Education. As an artist, I started very young as self-taught and then I took textile art and photography courses at the San Francisco Art Institute, California.

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

I have always had a fascination for textiles and I grew up watching my mother sewing and knitting. What attracts me to textiles and fibers is its versatility, which allow us to materialise different forms of expression. 

Textile art opens multiple possibilities. It requires a special manufacture process, which is slower than in other techniques. An art that dialogues with the time and the hands, making it very valuable.

What techniques do you use?

I mostly use the traditional “pulled thread” technique, which I modified to create my work. I use fabrics, in one or more layers, and slowly and carefully remove some of their threads, revealing silhouettes as if they always were there. It is an action of revealing what already existed. 

How do you describe your work?

My work covers different themes such as identity, social phenomena, and the representation of an imaginary universe. It creates a dialogue with the viewer, even inviting him to touch it or physically connect with the artwork. During the last years I have focused in creating kinetic art by the superposition of fabric layers of multiple colours, that create optical illusion in the form of 3D effects and vibrations.

How do you create a piece?

The creative process begins when I come up with an idea that I immediately write down on a piece of paper that I have at hand or just in my cellphone. I let the idea rest and I revisit it from time to time. If after a while I still consider it good, I expand it description with more words and a coloured sketch. To help myself with the visualisation of the project I use samples of “pulled thread” fabric of different colours. Nevertheless, most of the creation is in the work itself.

Where do you work?

As a mother of three I work at home or in a rented studio, depending what I’m doing as a parent. Due to the pandemic, we temporarily moved to the countryside, where I set up a studio. I think no matter the circumstances in which I find myself, I will always have a creative space.

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

A big piece (300×140 cm) can take up to two months. Apart from the size, the complexity of a piece defines how long does it takes, so I have also spent considerable amount of time in pieces not particularly big.

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

What makes me very proud is how the viewers approach to my work. They usually express surprise and curiosity for the optical illusion effects, the detailed work, and the novelty of the technique, which they have not seen before. 

I am also proud of being part of the Chilean art-scene, so my work has been selected, exhibited and awarded.

Do you have any advice for aspiring textile artists?

Textile art has infinite possibilities, so no matter what you do, do it from yourself, that way it will be authentic and powerful.

www.paulaceroni.cl 

https://www.instagram.com/p_ceroni/