Yes, travelling was a way of learning & living for 12 years, until I had my daughter. When I was younger, I always thought of Mallorca as the perfect place to retire. But then the decision to settle down arrived. Being brought up here was a gift. It was a little safe paradise and I had family to support our parenting journey.
I started doing big macrame wall hangings in 2019, then the lock down arrived and at the same time I was learning about the problem that Mallorca was having with all of the wool. There wasn't a solution for the shepherd to sell the wool so it became waste, burned and discarded. For me, that was a big impulse to start a stable way of creating fibre art. I wanted to make something in response to this problem, to make it visual and visible.
Nature is definitely a big influence, and the idea of bringing calm into living spaces through a wall hanging that evokes nature. Other influences right now include Adrian Pepe's work & Beatrice Waanders for her adaptive way of creating.
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I started selling my artwork as Desanuda in local design markets on the island. After two years, the brand was becoming more recognized and I started to do collaborations with interior designers like Isabela Claramunt (Marriott & AC hotels), Helena Torreson from (Wingars Arquitects) and François Champseur. As of 2024, I run Desanuda fibre lab for the workshops, residencies and experiences and am presenting my artwork under my name, Leela Romeo.
Collaboration with local artists makes it possible to create authentic and unique designs that reflect the essence of the island. From handcrafted furniture to artistic ceramics and textile wall hangings, the creativity of the Mallorcan art scene finds its way into the interiors of homes, businesses and hotels. These products tell stories and bring a piece of Mallorcan culture into people's homes. In addition, the use of regional materials not only supports the local economy, but also contributes to sustainability. By drawing on local resources, designers reduce the ecological footprint while promoting the island's craftsmanship. Initiatives and events focussing on the presentation and sale of regional artworks are becoming increasingly important. Art markets, exhibitions and workshops provide a platform for artists to showcase their work and engage with the community. These events not only promote dialogue between artists and designers, but also raise awareness of the importance of local craftsmanship. Overall, the promotion of regional artists and products in interior design on Mallorca helps to preserve the island's cultural identity while creating innovative and inspiring living concepts. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty and creativity of Mallorca while supporting the local community.
Interior designer Brigitte Brünjes and I have founded the ‘MALLORCA MAKERS NETWORK’ with the aim of putting regional artists and products in the focus of interior designers, architects and hotels. The event will start in November 2024 at the Bodega Santa Catarina in Sencelles.
Yes, it is a collective exhibition with several very talented textile artists living on the island. It's curated by Tomeu Simonet for the Porreres Museum at the Tastart night. I am exhibiting two wool pieces: "Black Sheep" & "Bloody White Sheep".
I have two secret spots. One is in the Tramuntana Mountains, near Banyalbufar, and the other is in Mal Pas. Both are paradise where you need to walk and it's difficult to arrive. I go with a snorkel and a book.
