HELLO, I’M NOÉMIA ZANCUOGHI THE FOUNDER OF BRAIDA STUDIO

I’m an italo-portuguese artist, born in Lisbon in 1987, I grew up between Algarve and north of Italy, having this two nationalities part of my roots, essence of my soul and inspiration. From an early age, I had a deep love for various art forms and the desire to create with my own hands has been a lifelong journey of exploration, experimentation, and self-expression. It is a fundamental aspect of my being, approach to express my creativity and have allowed to grow as an artist and develop my own unique artistic voice.

THE BEGINING

After a several years living and working in different countries I’ve returned to the Algarve. On that time I started to learn macrame and began to explore this craft technique as a new art form of self-expression. Since then I have dedicated myself to developing my own unique style and artistic language in a way to give a new reinterpretation of the traditional macramé for the contemporary world, combining craft, art and design.

In 2020 I founded BRAIDA, to share my unique vision and artistic expression with others.

The name BRAIDA comes from my Italian family, specifically my paternal great-grandparents and grandmother, who were always entrepreneurs. When I was searching for a name for the brand, I found a sticker with the old logo of one of my great-grandfather's workshops, which served as inspiration.

RECOGNIZING CRAFTMANSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY

In a time when much of what is created is mass-produced, in fast production, by machines in a world dominated by digital technologies. I think it is important to return to traditional techniques and value more the handmade combined with contemporary design. Handmade pieces are unique and I believe that each one carries a story. More and more people seek out these distinctive qualities and differentiation. Each artwork I create is different, there are sensations and emotions in every detail, the compositions and patterns constructed from a combination of threads and knots each one carry their own unique energy. It is important to slow down, each piece has its own time and process and that needs to be respected, both by those who create and by those who buy.

I believe that artisans have a closer relationship with the materials and their particularities, and are increasingly attentive to waste reduction and material reuse. For example, in my case, residing by the sea on the south coast of Portugal, I’m mindful of discarded materials from the fishing industry and strive to recycle them, giving new life to otherwise wasted materials. I have ben incorporated abandoned and discarded nautical ropes that I personally collecte from local workshops, harbors, and fishing areas. After cleaning all them, I use as an interior structure to play with volumes, achieve three-dimensionality in flat forms and bring a sense of depth into the work. By doing so, I can both recycle and breathe new life into materials that would otherwise go to waste. We manage to have an infinite possibility to create, and for sure it is a unique experience to bring our ideas to life through our own hands.

HOW EVERYTHING HAPPENS

It all begins with an idea, drawing inspiration from varios sources, the shapes and colors that surrounds me ranging from modern and abstract art to fashion, photography, and nature. I’m inspired as much by nature as by modern and abstract art, I like both the strength of a black and white photograph and the strong colors in a fashion show, seeking to capture the essence of a moment, a detail, an emotion, or a place and translate it into a artwork creation. Drawing from nature, geometric patterns, and abstract forms, my creations invite the observer to dive into their own sensory experience, as they become immersed in a world where art and design intertwine harmoniously.

To bring my vision to life, I begin conducting studies, creating sketches and mockups. Typically, each piece demands approximately 1000 meters of yarn. Is a slow and repetitive work as I aim to achieve minimalist lines and desired geometric shapes by utilizing a consistent knotting technique. Depending on the size and complexity of the piece, it can take  about a month to complete the entire process.

Do you want something special?