INTERVIEW WITH MARIA LASPIUR

One of our favorite discoveries last year was María Laspiur's Instagram account. Between illustrations, beautiful photos and floral-inspired accessories, we fell in love with her project and didn't hesitate to write to her to find out more about her and see how we could start a collaboration. From that "love at first sight" Concha , Pez, Flotador and Ostra were born. A collection of charismatic accessories perfect for this summer.

Born in Donostia, María worked in the fashion world for various major brands before returning to her city and starting her own project to create colourful earrings, necklaces and other floral-inspired accessories. Today, María opens the doors of Posidonia, her studio-store. Join us!

Could you briefly define yourself?

It is difficult to define myself, but I would say that I am a person who has always been quite clear that I liked the world of creation and at the same time I am a fighter and enthusiast. Without this, I imagine I would not have come to conceive this project.

What inspired you to become an accessories designer? Was it something you always wanted to be or did you just casually evolve into this profession?

I guess my passion and my “love” for art, design and fashion has always been there. I never imagined myself creating 3D jewellery, but I always knew that it was what I wanted to do and my path has led me to it. In 3D technology I have found a way to shape my ideas and strokes of colour on a small scale from my own studio. In the end it is a craft that unites several things, which has its artisanal part, its technical part and at the same time it is a way of expression.

Sustainability is also a key concept for you. What is the process involved in creating a pair of Laspiur earrings or necklace?

I suppose so, I like to be in constant contact with nature and that is why I think we have to be aware that we have to take care of it. My designs are based on the shapes I can find in it and at the same time I create them with materials that respect the environment as much as possible, creating that union or balance. With my manufacturing method I have the opportunity to produce without generating a lot of stock or waste using biodegradable materials, such as PLA, the plant polymer that I use to make my designs.

Do you feel that your surroundings in the Basque Country are part of the natural inspiration for your work?

Of course, Euskadi is a place where we live surrounded by nature. It is hard because we spend half the year under water, sometimes hoping for a ray of sunshine. But you realise that it is worth it when you see our mountains and meadows with that powerful range of greens. And then there is the coast, and the sea that changes from rough to calm and its colours depending on the day…

Would you recommend any special place where you like to go in summer to relax?

I would recommend taking a route along the coast from the border with Cantabria to France: Bilbao, Urdaibai, Mundaka, Lekeitio, Getaria, Donostia, Hondarribia… I must confess that I have a preference for Lekeitio (a small town on the coast of Bizkaia), because it is where I have spent my summers all my life. The French Basque Country is also beautiful, the colours of the houses, the flea markets and its beaches...

Is there anything outside of your current profession that really interests you or that you are interested in learning more about?

I would like to learn more about traditional and artisan jewelry. But I would also like to make my garden continue to flourish on other blank canvases or products that complement it.