Artist Profile Marita Setas Ferro

Artist Statement

Anemones in Volcanic Rock is an artistic representation of marine natural elements. These elements of sea and land (corals, anemones, starfish, shells) are seen through a magnifying glass and reinterpreted through textile sewing techniques – knit and crochet. Although these techniques are very traditional, the way they are applied results in an initial surprise in which there is a confrontation between the tradition present in the techniques and the innovation of form, aesthetics, textures and colour – and in this clash, the pieces build a dialogue with those who see, touch and feel them. The threads used in the sculptures are carefully chosen, in old haberdashery and/or remains of guarded collections. They are then combined according to colours, textures and thickness to obtain a result of great contrast or a more harmonious tone on tone, in accordance with the inspiration of natural elements. The threads are used like a pencil/pen in the space through the artisanal technique of crochet and knitting – quite time consuming, as the most complex threads and those with loose threads have to be calmly untwisted while I make the loop, to get the best visual and volumetric effect. In the final piece, they are joined by a crochet loop, in a radial system – from the centre to the outer limit. This technique makes it possible to create, with a mixture of different threads and according to the size and the desired result, contrasting and visually rich textures – getting closer to natural textures, creating sensations that provoke pleasure, especially in two senses – sight and touch. It’s also a perfect joy to transform the thread in such different forms and shapes. The sculpture Anemones in Volcanic Rock began as a first multi-coloured and multi-textured centrepiece, showing a multiplicity of shapes that mixed various types of visions of marine beings – anemones, reinterpreted through the crochet technique. From a certain moment on, the piece grew in size and intensity of shapes and colours. At that moment, the piece started to consist of 7 parts – the central one and 6 more pieces with more specific chromatic approaches in each of them. Presented as an irregular hexagram and inspired by the Seal of Solomon, Anemones in Volcanic Rock integrates the 4 elements – fire, water, earth and air – metaphorically and chromatically. The volcanic rock represents fire and earth where anemones grow and live both in the water and in the air, according to the rhythm of the tides. In this way, the artwork is intended to represent the entire set of elements of the universe as a unity.

Artist Biography

Marita Setas Ferro, born in 1967 in Beira, Mozambique, is a Portuguese cultural manager specializing in art, fashion, sustainability, and crafts. She integrates these fields in innovative projects as a fashion designer, sculptor, culture manager, and creative director. Ferro focuses on Fine Craft and heritage, merging crafts with design and art to create impactful projects. She holds a Master’s in Sculpture from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Oporto (2009), and two post-graduate degrees: Design and Marketing – Clothing from the University of Minho (2008), and Cultural Management in Cities from ISCTE / INDEG (2003). Her Marita Moreno brand, established in 2008, integrates Portuguese textile craft into fashion, with accessories showcased at major fashion weeks in New York, London, Paris, and Milan, she continues to develop unique fashion trends. Ferro is the Founder and Board President of Between Parallels – Association for Design and Sustainable Development, and a board member of Portugal à Mão. Since 2012, she has held an artisan professional card and craft production unit, training in craft, design, textiles, and fashion. Her notable works include the “Soft Works” series and “Wearable Sculptures,” exhibited in Portugal and at World Art Dubai, selected for COLLECT OPEN 2024 and Future Icons Selects/London Craft Week 2024.