Mercedes Parages Revertera, an accomplished artist and mother of three, has always been passionate about painting. She studied Fine Arts and dedicated herself to the craft for 15 years before starting her new journey into the world of textiles. While painting on canvas has always attracted her, she found a new way to enjoy her work by painting on fabrics. This new approach includes selecting different linens and cottons, using specific paints used for fabrics, and making personalized linens featuring unique designs.
ConsiderBeyond: Painting on linen is a unique medium compared to materials like canvas. Can you describe what drew you to using linen as your medium?
Mercedes Parages Revertera: I started painting on fabrics four years ago after researching the technique of textiles, which at the time was a new medium for me. I was able to see good results and an increase in quality over the years. The idea of giving life to a fabric is very attractive to me; to be able to use fabrics in everyday use and enjoy my designs in any space, a table, a screen, a bed headboard, and creations that adapt to any decorative space is fantastic to me!
ConsiderBeyond: Your works seem to combine your creative expression with functional design often. Can you share your philosophy behind making art that serves both aesthetics and utility?
Mercedes Parages Revertera: Some years ago, I decided to learn to paint on porcelain in a specialized workshop and combine it with my new stage of painting on textile. It was then that I managed to define what I was looking for. By extracting the designs that I painted on a plate to a much larger extent, it allowed me to enjoy painting on a tablecloth, creating paintings on people’s tables.
ConsiderBeyond: How do you infuse your Spanish cultural heritage into contemporary design?
Mercedes Parages Revertera: I believe that in Spain we have great craftsmanship that we should take care of and promote. There is a great tradition of embroidery which is not far removed from painting. I have always been interested in the art of embroidery and printing, as well as ceramic designs and their colors. On several occasions, I have been asked if my fabrics are embroidered.
ConsiderBeyond: Your work features a variety of nature-inspired themes like birds, plants, and flowers. Is there a particular reason you're drawn to these elements in nature?
Mercedes Parages Revertera: What inspires me most is observing nature and capturing it on different fabrics – the motifs of flowers, plants, birds, corals, palm trees. The chinoiserie motifs fascinate me and I can spend hours looking at their designs. I try to paint nature, as it is very important for me. I see it as a way of bringing the countryside closer to the city and our homes.
ConsiderBeyond: Could you walk us through the journey of creating one of your artworks, from the initial concept to the final creation?
Mercedes Parages Revertera: First, I select high-quality linen and specify the details of the project with my clients. In the creation process, I usually start by outlining the drawing freehand on the fabric after reflecting on the composition. Once the drawing is finished, I start adding color with a brush. On many occasions, I make a sketch if it is necessary to have a clear idea of the design. Each piece is unique and personalized, with attention to every detail, such as the hand-stitched finish.
ConsiderBeyond: Is there a particular narrative or story behind one of your favorite creations that you can share with us?
Mercedes Parages Revertera: My designs always feature nature motifs, sometimes with a touch of Chinoiserie fantasy. Other times, I get inspiration from designers like William Morris. One of my favorite projects thus far was to paint for an organic farm with natural motifs, but I really think that all projects are special to me.
ConsiderBeyond: Can you share an experience where an unforeseen challenge in your work led to a creative breakthrough?
Mercedes Parages Revertera: Every work is a challenge for me, and I always advance in creativity, even surprising myself with how far I can go when confronted with a big piece of linen. On one occasion, I did a project where I had to paint on gold leaf sheets for wallpapering a room, and it turned out to be an amazing experience for me.
ConsiderBeyond: How has Instagram or social media influenced your relationship with your audience and potentially even your creative process?
Mercedes Parages Revertera: Instagram is a magnificent tool for exposing my work and showing the process and final result. It also allows me to contact people from any corner of the world. I have sent my art pieces to several countries in Europe, America, the Middle East, and Asia.
ConsiderBeyond: In what ways has your artistic vision evolved since you began, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
Mercedes Parages Revertera: After four years, my designs have become more balanced, and I think I have improved in terms of composition. I have also learned to be more patient and to grow in creativity as I paint each piece.
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Mercedes Parages Revertera
