With the internet being so easy to access, it has become easier for independent artists to find an audience and let their work be known. As a result, a variety of movements, collectives, and scenes have found a way to pave their path. The independent art scene in Puerto Rico is no different. Recently, many artists from a variety of disciplines have found platforms that have made it easier for them to share their work. In addition, small businesses such as Electroshock in Santurce and Rio Piedras, bars like Off The Wall in Mayaguez, and libraries like La Casita Books and Gifts in Aguadilla have provided up-and-coming artists a space to display their talents. “Puerto Rican Women Killing It in the Independent Art Scene” is a series of interviews that provides a glimpse at some of the women who have recently gained recognition in the art scene. Though the artists are asked similar questions, some are asked queries surrounding their work, specifically.
What’s your name and what do you do in the arts?
Matilsha Marxuach – I am the founder, designer, and creative director at Concalma and work the company with a team of 7 people. Concalma is a local brand that has a handbag line designed by me and manufactured at Cooperativa Industrial Creación de la Montaña in Utuado PR since 2006. Last year, I founded another project as an independent artist called Proyecto Opciones that runs art and theatre workshops for adults with disabilities with a team of 5 people.
(picture by Ramiro Chaves)
What got you into designing?
I studied Ceramics and painting in an art and design school. The love for giving shape to amorphous materials like fabric and clay and the interest in developing systems and communities got me started in pursuing a design carrier. In 2004, I started thinking I wanted to deliver a product that was quality, well designed and was manufactured locally as a possible solution to fast fashion and to support the local economy.
How did you develop your style?
My style develops from an active utilitarian lifestyle as well as an inspiration in unisex fashion and being outdoors. The key elements that feed the design process are comfort, durability and what will it be used for. The eclectic combinations between the straps and fabrics of the body of the bag come from my love color and the continuous exercise to juxtapose things that might not necessary be thought to go together.
(picture by Steph Segarra)
How has it evolved through the years?
The company has evolved to an ecosystem of a amazing ever evolving team of people and talented designers and artist that use Concalma the Store as a marketplace and platform to sell their products and present ideas. The handbag line itself has gone from an initial 6 styles in 2006 to 22 styles in 2019.
What are some of your influences and inspirations?
I am influenced by traditional cultures worldwide, the community and nature. Conceptually, I am inspired by thinking of systems and process. In style, I am inspired by elegance, sophistication, unisex and fun. In art and design some of my inspiration are the 1) Campana brothers and their use of materials, 2) Hella Jongerius timeless elegant feeling, 3) Abraham Cruz Villega’s chaoticness, 4) Ray and charles Eames playfulness. As an overall woman who inspires me is Jane Goodall who started working with chimpanzees and realized that humans animals and nature are inseparable and is now working with human initiatives as Native Americans and the alarming rates of suicides among teens as well as with small communities in Africa setting very simple communal efforts that service the community and are sustainable like very simple village restaurants.
(picture by Steph Segarra)
Is there any other form of art you wish to pursue?
I continue to do conceptual work that includes mediums of paint, installation, writing and movement.
If so, what field and why?
I like to stay In the independent art scene as an artist and as a project founder or producer since I believe we are the ones that can make things happen and in the way that we figure out how to do it and fund it independently that will have a longer lasting effect in our community as well as in the independent scene the solidarity and the support seems more genuine as I am interested in themes that might not be glamorous and at times are abandoned by the capitalist system at large like services for adults with disabilities.
(picture by Steph Segarra)
What do you think about the current state of the arts in Puerto Rico?
I believe it’s amazing the amount of artists that practice without any formal support from the government or system is a form of resistance. I think there needs to be more support for the arts in developing independent platforms for development that can promote sustainability and cooperative efforts.
What do you think about the current state of the independent scene in Puerto Rico?
I think is active, growing and honest. I think the fact that it’s not being supported by the system or the government while it might be harder at times it is also good safe keep independence and artistic freedom which I believe it’s an important thing to have.
(picture by Steph Segarra)
If a young girl came up to you and said she wanted to be an artist, what would be your advice for her?
To trust her instinct and to start small so she can start whatever she wants because doing is where evolution takes place. Also to be able to receive feedback and ask for help without feeling the other is trying to change her idea, just to listen take it as the other person opinion and suggestion but be confidence that she has the final say. Also to try to keep as close to her vision and mission as possible
What is your biggest goal right now?
To be able to combine all the interests that me as an artist in Concalma and continue to manage the hurdles and growing pains as a designer and a 13 year brand bu keeping laser focus in the mission of the company to promote, fair trade good design and the local economy as well as my ever evolving vision as an artist.
(picture by Paola “Payo” Hernandez)
What do you seek to achieve with work?
I seek for solutions and systems that connect people, concepts and services. I will like to be able to continue to learn, seek and practice sustainable models of action and be part of communities world wide seeking solutions and problems that tackle local economies, mass consumption, and marginalized communities like adults with disabilities which at the same time are some of my biggest inspirations.
All of the pictures in this article were provided by Matilsha Marxuach