Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 32
Occupation: Designer and artist.
Instagram: @gabbbber and @iddastudio
Hometown: New York and Sicily.
Studio location: New York.
Describe what you make: I’m a painter and work in ceramics. I also started a design studio, called Idda Studio, that’s focused on painterly fabric works that are both wearable and used in the home.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: I’m really excited about my latest summer collection of fabric works inspired by traditional Sicilian folklore tales, Roman mythology, and the Mediterranean. All the pieces are limited-edition, hand-painted, and then printed in Italy on ethically sourced high-quality silk and cotton fabrics.
Describe the problem your work solves: So much of my work is about telling stories and interpreting the traditions and decorative arts of Sicily, where I’m from. “Idda” means “her” in Sicilian dialect, and I created the studio as a way to celebrate the powerful women I know in my life. I wanted a way to bring my paintings to life and love the versatility of fabric. What excites me is how my fabric can bring people together, like the tablecloths that create a setting to gather and eat or the pareos that can be used to relax on the beach with friends.
Describe the project you are working on now: I just launched my new summer collection of Idda Studio limited-edition silk scarfs, cotton beach pareos, vibrant tablecloths, napkins, and pillows. The pieces are currently on view at a pop-up store at 23 Orchard Street, New York, organized by Ciao Lucia and Club Vintage. The space also features a custom mural I painted of Roman Goddesses.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: Lots of fun collaborations in the works coming soon! I’m also excited to be an upcoming artist in residence at the Pocoapoco in Oaxaca this September. I’ll use this time to explore local storytelling through textiles and learn traditional fabric processes specific to that region.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: In the past, I’ve loved having my studio near the beach—that’s always been a huge source of inspiration. Now that my studio is in New York, I try to keep ocean vibes close to me through plants, sea shells, and lots of natural light.
What you do when you’re not working: I run every morning, love getting together with family and friends to cook Sicilian dishes, and traveling to new places. I have also recently become obsessed with Color Theory ASMR videos.
Sources of creative envy: Sicilian pastry chefs, Pugliese lacemakers, and the hand-knotted nets fishermen make. Pretty much any decorative skill that can only be passed on through legacy.
The distraction you want to eliminate: FOMO. Trying to live more in the moment and in the now.
Concrete or marble? Terrazzo.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember. Memories make us who we are.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens for sure.
Dark or light? Candle light.
