Jaume Roig, 1981, Mallorca. Artist trained in the field of ceramics. Over time his artistic work, which arises from the need for an expression beyond utilitarian ceramics, has developed into sculpture and painting, characterized by the scarce use of tools and enamels which results in a balanced finish. between the raw and the pure to find an essence. He defines his work as “synthesized nature”, a research of abstract spaces and fragments of natural elements, seeking to minimize forms.
In the daily environment of the south of the island, Jaume finds the necessary elements for his work, be it the stones, the telluric landscapes, the faults of the sea or the neutral colors you can find there.
We had the pleasure of interviewing the Mallorcan potter, Jaume Roig, with whom we collaborated making a sandal using his work of art.
You can read the interview with Jaume Roig below:
“I grew up in the world of ceramics.”
My mother had a pottery studio in the historic area of Palma and, as small children, both my brother and I worked there in any way that we could, which is why you could say that I grew up around ceramics. The way that I work with it has varied along the way, ranging from figurative to more abstract work, to raw which is the case now.
With painting, my relationship was different: although I have always painted, I did not see myse lf prepared to share it until, in an exhibition, I saw the opportunity to, through creating abstract landscapes, combine it with ceramic pieces, and thus the landscapes grew in three dimensions.
“For me painting is a liberation.”
Painting and pottery require very different ways of working. With pottery, you’re dictated by all the elements: the right clay, the drying time and then the fire. During this process, something can happen to make the piece break at any time and you have to start all over again. All of this is part of the value and beauty of ceramics, but it’s also why there’s a fluidity in painting that relaxes me. However, because of my character and the need to keep changing, having both disciplines works well for me.
The Mediterranean is a way of life.
The Mediterranean is a melting pot of cultures. In the Balearic Islands, there is a way of life and a way of doing things that, although it is in danger of extinction, I feel very attached to. Talaiotic culture has always fascinated me, as well as the Phoenician era and all our cultural heritage to date.
ART AND FASHION
“Timeless fashion.”
Timelessness interests me. I admire ancient pieces that could also look contemporary and the other way round. Pieces that survive over time without belonging to the conditions of specific trends. I don’t know if I’m achieving that, but it’s what I’m trying to do.
Lottusse sandal x Jaume Roig
Simplicity, for me, is a way of achieving that timelessness. The piece I am displaying could be reminiscent of a stone, or you could say that its spherical aspect is a shape that symbolises completeness… I don’t believe much in defining my pieces, I think that everyone can find something to relate it to, that’s what I like about abstraction.
I liked the idea of the heel being a bit unusual, but comfortable at the same time. Basically, it’s like using one of my “stones” as a base to stand on. The front is shaped in a way that could be remind you of remains found in archaeology, its rougher shape contrasts with what should be a dress shoe, I like this contrast.
I don’t know exactly what pottery has to do with fashion, but I think that fashion has an ability to relate to many fields, and that makes it very interesting.
Inspiration of the end piece
When I create a piece, I try to separate myself a bit from the task, which might sound contradictory but that’s the way it is, I mean, I’m working on a piece but at the same time I’m not focused on it. I do it using external vision, as if I’m not there and I’m seeing it from the outside. And I think that’s the way to search for the spirit of the piece.
I need to make what the piece demands of me, and not necessarily what I myself really want to do. Even then, it’s important for an artist to learn how to stop, to recognise that a piece is finished.
My inspiration came from experimenting with various options and, not being much of an expert on court shoes, by frequently asking people who wear heels about them, or researching other designs to understand what options I had.
To create this shoe, I thought of ancient female characters, queens and goddesses. I wanted to make something that was elegant but also warrior-like.
Sustainability
For me it’s a way of life. “I live in a farmhouse with 1,600w power.”
Sustainability is about doing things without harming the environment, in a responsible way. It’s something that we should all get used to, even I need to change my habits. Living in the countryside, with the right (but essential) comforts makes me feel good. We’ve hit a very dangerous extreme, and so it’s important to consider how we do things, what we consume and to support local and responsibly sourced produce in the best possible way.
The Lottusse brand manufactures locally, with quality products crafted by artisans. It’s something that I consider important to support and the reason why it has been a pleasure to collaborate.
