Danielle Suppa's 'Poolside'
Danielle Suppa 'Poolside' SAGAN EDITIONS 2016
Your Sagan Editions print features a beautiful grid of terrazzo - composite material, poured in place or precast, which is used for floor and wall treatments. Where did your love affair with terrazzo begin?
I think a lot of my work stems one way or another from childhood, daily experiences and cultural influences; my love of terrazzo definitely draws from all of those sources. My eyes have always been drawn to any sort of pattern and I've always loved terrazzo floors since I was a kid, especially when you consider that they are found in so many commercial places like schools, banks, the subway, etc. I like to reimagine the patterns that we encounter in our daily lives that we don't really even think twice about and make something beautiful and graphic out of them. I've always been fascinated by that fine line between natural and man made materials and I try to delve into that in my design work. I've also always loved classic Italian design and I think terrazzo is such a timeless material.
Do you have a design mantra? What is it?
Be thoughtful, be playful, be a sponge. I also 100% believe that good design is in the details.
You have a history of working in fashion design, which I can see in your print - the pattern you’ve made could easily be a textile design. How does this history inform your visual sensibility and current design work?
Actually this print was originally developed as a textile pattern during my studies at Central St. Martins in 2014. Initially I thought it would look great on a pillow or towel - something with defined edges to highlight the overall grid layout. My design brain always wants to place patterns on objects or surfaces so it's really exciting to see this one as an art print. Ironically terrazzo has had a bit of a fashion moment lately with many influential lines such as Acne and Maison Kitsune featuring the print heavily in their collections and shop displays the past few seasons. I'm always fascinated by that unintentional, collective thinking that often happens in fashion. I am also slightly obsessed with symmetry and geometric forms which is found in a lot of my work, even though I try to push myself to make things a bit more loose these days.
What’s the best part about being the owner of SOUVENIR Studios (studio, space, shop in Toronto, ON)?
SOUVENIR has by far been the most rewarding experience of my life as a designer thus far. I've had the opportunity to make meaningful creative and personal connections and so many delightful people have walked through the door (including one Sagan MacIsaac!)- and it's only been 6 months. There's so much more in store. It gives me great joy to be able to support other fellow designers and artists and give their ideas a home. SOUVENIR is a place where I hope that anything can happen - I like to think of it as a design playground and I think this city needs more beautiful, welcoming places like that.
What’s your favourite piece of art in your home?
Ah, such a hard question! Every piece is so special in its own way. I'd have to say one of my favourite is a pieces from Graham Roumieu called "I Choreographed A New Dance For You" (2013) just because it is so wildly joyful. We live in a loft with lots of open space and we've put it up in a section of our place that we lovingly refer to as 'The Dance Floor'. My other favourites are two risograph prints I bought during my travels in Amsterdam from Sigrid Colon, because they are so beautiful and remind me of a particularly magical day there.
Shop Danielle's SAGAN EDITIONS print 'Poolside' here