2024-08-23 15:48:33
For this last episode of our art economy series, a meeting with a Franco-Colombian artist based on the island of Majorca, in the Balearic island, in Spain. Costume designer Sylvia Sanchez Montoya has chosen to pursue another professional career alongside her work as an artist. He opened his accounts and his workshop at RFI.
In a street in the historic center of Palma, Sylvia Sanchez Montoya welcomes us into her workshop, installed on the ground floor of a Gothic stone building.
« There are four meters of ceiling height. And they just gave me this job that I have borrowed for a movie and which is going to a hotel. This is a huge piece, one of my biggest commissions to date. It is four meters high and will be 34 meters wide, it is gigantic », she enthused, awkwardly revealing the threads of one of her dress ornaments. Very bright, his works are long threads in ecru and white cotton and wool, braided or good as a veil, which allows the light of the day or of the colored lamps installed to let the natural fibers shine through.
Sylvia Sanchez Montoya creates textile sculptures and also works as an art direction consultant. © Justine Fontaine / RFI
« The pieces you see are mainly made with fibers from Mallorca and a few from the rest of Spain. I can’t see everything here, but I’m trying “, he explained.
Two professional activities
The Colombian actor moved to Mallorca in 2019, after fifteen years spent in France. Initially a designer and consultant in fashion, including for major brands, he began his artistic career two years ago. ” I started selling quickly he said, thanks in part to an award he received at a design festival in Lake Como, Italy, once he started.
The artist often uses fire to show his works, made from cotton or wool, which is mainly sourced from Mallorca and the rest of Spain. © Justine Fontaine / RFI
Today he continues to do two jobs in parallel: artist and consultant. Art represents a little more than a third of his income. But it should become your first job within a few months. ” I plan to end the year with 50% artistic income and 50% consulting income. Then I think about 60% of my income will come from art “, he believes.
Freedom of nature
Your consulting service which allows you financial freedom, but also an understanding of the art market and a professional network. ” I’ve worked for galleries too, so I understand where I fit in. Having this experience before allows me to suggest something that works », analyzed the artist.
Sylvia Sanchez Montoya believes she can make a living from her art in the long run but would like to keep a group retreat. ” I don’t want to put too much pressure on my artwork. I would like to keep my creative freedom. But if I only focus on making a living from my art maybe I will have to compromise, and I don’t want to. », he finished.
The last element of your economic freedom: the rent of your workshop is slightly below market prices, on an island where the cost of living and real estate is even more expensive.
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