We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Roberta Borges ("RB").
Roberta Borges was born in Porto Alegre, RS-Brazil, in 1963. Since an early age she has been connected to the world of surfing and waves. The art of photography, is the way she expresses her perception of the ocean, having attended several photography schools and arts centers. In 2010, she received the most important Brazilian Prize of Photography (Porto Seguro Prize, Revelation).The serie called "Passatempo" (time goes by) represents the sea in continuous change, transforming images in color paintings. The waves perception, which derive from the strong influence of her background as a professional surfer(she is the first Braziliian champ in 1985) ,acquire empowerment and expression through her work. In her last series , LASTLIGHT, she explores an inaccessible layer of light and darkness , creating a unique intimate sea atmosphere. It took eight years to capture the images , always in the same place, same time in a very especial nature condition. Most of her work is done at the seashore of Garopaba, Santa Catarina where she lives and has her own studio.
Roberta Borges Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Roberta Borges.
Designer Interview of Roberta Borges:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
RB : A member of my family liked to take photos and I admired the effects he could get of his clicks. I saw emotions and plasticity . So I discovered that I could express myself by this way.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
RB : My studio is at the beach and I work alone. Sometimes I work inside my studio, sometimes I go out to photograph and in between I go out to give a walk with my dogs.I don't have a daily routine.
DI: What is "design" for you?
RB : Design Is an art that can be produced.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
RB : I love the sea photographs , this environment is my challenge.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
RB : The LASTLIGHT project is my favorite design work due to the difficult way of capturing the images, and the time it took for it. It depend on nature conditions like the , tide, light, swell and wind.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
RB : Print in 100% cotton paper! I use photoshop and canon cameras and lenses!
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
RB : When i'm organizing my things or taking care the garden.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
RB : The quality of images and if it describes exactly what I want.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
RB : Every project starts from experiences and when I discover something new, it gives me a feeling of happiness, excitement. The final result is my biggest emotion, I m feel very proud and happy.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
RB : I m feel very proud and happy.
DI: What makes a design successful?
RB : Form , function and meaning.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
RB : To pass a positive message, a meaning that helps people.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
RB : the last exhibition was a few years ago in Porto Alegre. The next one will be in France in next summer.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
RB : The sea is my inspiration! Since an early age I have been connected to the world of surfing and waves. The art of photography, is the way I expresses my perception of the ocean.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
RB : I try to see different thing in simple things! I like clean images, less is more!
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
RB : I live in Garopaba, on the beach and the local culture is part of my work.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
RB : My creative process always comes when I'm doing other activities outside of work when my mind is light.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
RB : 1- Vico Magistretti sofa( Maralunga), 2 Phellipe Starck Lamp, 3- A Alto cafeteria( Alessi), 4 - Carlos Motta Chair(flecha), Mackintosh chair( willow)
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
RB : I don't have a daily routine. My studio is at the beach and I wake up early. Sometimes I work inside my studio, sometimes I go out to photograph and in between I go out to give a walk with my dogs, or surfing.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
RB : first never stop studying and researching. Believe in your feelings!
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
RB : keep trying, do not give up on the first barrier
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
RB : perseverance
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
RB : search the internet for what has already been done
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
RB : for me the best time to work is the night. everything gets quieter and calmer.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
RB : his is very relative, my last job took 8 years and others took months.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
RB : how did you do it?
DI: Who are some of your clients?
RB : galleries, direct customers and some magazines
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
RB : I like jobs that have a strong concept that influence society
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
RB : I just finished one project and have not yet started another. I want to show my latest work in several galleries in Europe.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
RB : by myself
DI: How can people contact you?
RB : by e-mail robertaborgesfoto@gmail.com , website www.robertaborges.com.br or phone 55 51 993371337