Exploring Artisanal Craftsmanship With Designer Paola De Giovanni | London Accessory Week

Meanmagenta Marbling Art

by Paola De Giovanni

Paola De Giovanni is a curious creative with a penchant for marbling painting, accessory designing and flower photography.

“I don't fit in in any creative industries classification: I am a textile designer, marbling artist, photographer and fashion historian”.

She creates unique marbled wall art, fashion and home decor accessories like cotton/velvet cushions, bean bags, scarves, and lamp shades and wallpaper. Her marbling designs lend themselves very well to be printed on organic cotton, velvet and are special home accessories to treasure and to give all year round.

The unique patterns make a timeless design statement and add a stylish pop of colour to any lounge, bedroom, study, conservatory, and garden benches. And guess what?! She also accepts bespoke orders, commissions and keen to collaborate with stylists, interior designers, influencers, and art buyers to work together.

How did you start your accessory brand?

During the first lockdown I discovered the ancient ink painting technique called marbling and put together an impressive body of prints. This medium is a form of active meditation: soothing, liberating and empowering. What started as a creative way to cope with the emotional stress caused by the pandemic, soon became a stunning range of wall art, cushions and silk/velvet scarves.

What are your sources of inspiration?

Geology, natural patterns, my flower photographs and Fauvism are some of my sources of inspiration

Why do you do what you do? What do you like about your job?

I am an "unemployable" creative rebel. I don't get along with routines, structured working schedule and I get easily bored. Don't get me wrong, I work hard, and I am aware that doing what I love most is one of the life's biggest luxuries.

Do you have a signature style? Tell us more about your most popular designs.

"The marbled pebbles" print is one of my most popular marbling designs. I think because it is ethereal, yet colourful; and the colour palette goes well with most interiors design styles.

We would love to hear about your studio time and how you connect with your clients.

Beside my compact, but stylish studio, the creative process happens on the large kitchen table: marbling is a great art technique because I don't need too much space, it is not too messy, and it takes only a few minutes to set up everything to start my marbling session. The biggest item I need is the folding drying rack: instead of using it to dry my laundry, I hang my marbling prints to dry.

During the pandemic, one of the few positive things that came out for Paola was the ability to connect with many fabulous people who have often become her clients, especially on Instagram and LinkedIn.

“I love visiting trade fairs in London and abroad. After a year of virtual social interaction, I hope to get back to interact face to face with potential buyers and clients.”

Do you have a muse?

My utterly talented mum, Giulia is my main source of inspiration, the best role model both as a woman and as a creative, because of her resilience, values, optimism, and unflappable determination.

What's your proudest moment in your accessory designer career?

My creative business is still very young, having said that, 2020 was a very productive year and despite the pandemic, I had a few small wins; among them, I was invited to have a virtual booth at TopDrawer London in January 2021 and my home deco range was shortlisted by the Gift Association's Gift of The Year Award.

What makes you a happy artist?

The creative process itself is always very rewarding: I feel alive, fulfilled, and grounded. The best thing of being a creative entrepreneur is seeing how my products bring joy to other people, that somebody loves my work so much to invest in my art, to treat themselves or to give one of my prints to a loved one. To me it goes beyond the financial reward, it is a way to validate myself as a creative and an entrepreneur.

If there are no limitations, what would you like to create?

I would love to cover the facades of the buildings along the Grand Canal in Venice with my marbling printed on light see-through fabrics and have them installed as large external curtains, I think that would be a spectacular installation, especially on a sunny day with a gentle breeze!