Black Flora Wall Sculpture by Valeria Nascimento

Statement
Over the years, their work has come to focus on large commission-based installations. They always take into consideration the space where their installations will be housed, as it is very important to them that the pieces blend into their environment and complement the space. Their inspiration is drawn mostly from the natural world, although their work carries references to both architectural and botanical forms. For as long as they can remember, they have always been fascinated by repetitive sequencing in their work, combining separate elements to form a cohesive group. Nature is full of recurring patterns and rhythms—spirals, waves, repeating petals, and leaves. As in nature, each piece of their work, though seemingly a duplicate, is unique. Porcelain has the smoothness and malleability they need to create new shapes, manipulating them to appear, in some cases, defiantly weightless. Their work is a celebration of nature itself. They aim to create pieces that inspire, connect, and touch in an emotional way, taking the viewer on a journey through different ethereal, botanical, and peaceful landscapes.

Biography
Born in Goiânia, Brazil in 1962, they grew up surrounded by exuberant Brazilian landscapes that inspired them from an early age. They initially studied Architecture, during which time they became greatly inspired by the works of architects Roberto Burle Marx and Oscar Niemeyer. They graduated with a degree in 1985, cementing their interest in the fusion between urban landscapes and natural forms. After graduating, they moved to Rio to pursue their architectural career. It was there, a year later, that they were introduced to clay and became fascinated by its multiple possibilities for expression and development of ideas. They began to focus more and more on working with ceramics and started exploring concepts where natural forms and urban landscapes merge.