Born in Caracas to a wonderfully creative family, I’m a portrait collage artist living and working in Antwerp. After graduating in Industrial Design, I began my career in film and advertising then made my name as an art director staging fashion shows & events across Europe.
The fashion bug bit and it was my turn to be the creator, so I launched my own clothing line Una Semplice Cosa (A Simple Thing), a successful collaboration with my artist sister whose striking designs graced our range of swimwear and T-shirts.
All changed after meeting my husband Guy in 2010 when I moved to London and began experimenting with paper until I developed my own collage technique using mixed vintage newspapers and glossy magazines.
My passion now is creating rich, vibrant collages, bursting with ideas, questions and life.
I have always loved working with paper and now happily divide my time between creating my own collections, often featuring famous figures, Icons, and working on personal commissions.
Every single piece of paper tells a story.
Before starting a portrait I extensively research the subject. The first step is to collect photos of the person from childhood and throughout their life, with their family and friends – photos of those special moments that can provide little insights into their personality. Even better is hearing a description of the person. What colours and books and music do they like? What are their true passions?
The paper I use tells this story but also in a thoughtful, playful and often unexpectedly adds layers of stories to the subject’s own. Every single collage has an incredible story behind it. The more you look, the more you see.
I work with high quality print, from newspapers and publications such as Vogue, iD and Elle, and I’m a huge fan of vintage magazines and the (hi)stories they bring with them. Each time when I travel I find some interesting prints, books etc I add it to my magazine mountain until the time is right to use it.
For instance, a 1954 Paris Match discovered in a flea market was perfect for including in a couple of portraits. My page-turning led to an exquisite scarlet Christian Dior dress whose vibrant colour ended up as Queen Elisabeth II’s lips.
Commissions
Ason and daughter once asked me to do a portrait of their father, to mark his 60th birthday. They sent me lots of pictures, then I met the son to talk about his father and his description was so vivid and detailed, I was fascinated.
After hearing such a rich portrayal, I really enjoyed creating this man’s portrait. Because I had seen him through his son’s eyes I felt such admiration for him, even though he and I had never met.
And that’s what I love about my commissioned work. My passion is bringing my clients’ passions to life via paper. It’s an immense privilege to be allowed this glimpse into other people’s lives and then use my creativity to show how unique and special they are.
Recent
Exhibitions
Expo Solo Gallery, Antwerp
