Débora Silva
Master of 3D design, Débora Silva, has been practicing as a digital artist for two years after originally working as a sculptor. Unable to afford a studio in London, Débora decided to pursue her sculpture work in a digital 3D format. As she has progressed in the realms of digital, Débora has collaborated with other artists and brands which has widened her network and skill set. She has also created work to support the recent ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests in London by making digital sculptures of protestors in order to immortalise such an important and historical event. We spoke to Débora about her work and what she has planned for the future.
What initiated you to develop a career within the creative industry?
Unfortunately (or fortunately) being creative is what I am good at. After school, I studied sculpture which eventually led to digital mediums.
You work using a mixture of digital mediums to create work - how have you learnt to use such a wide range of techniques?
I’ve been teaching myself for two years now but before I started with digital, I was already doing sculpture making use of mainly ceramic. When I moved to London, I was confronted with the sad reality of not being able to afford a studio. In reality, digital started out of necessity as I wanted to continue my tridimensional practice and doing it digitally was the viable alternative.
How do you utilise London in terms of your practice?
London is sweet and sour in a way that gives and takes. Learning how to cope with it instead of fighting is the best way to navigate. A good example would be not being able to afford a studio which was a sad reality. However this made me engage with another way of doing sculpture that I am completely in love with. London also has the obvious advantage of being a place of opportunity. If you make it all the way here, you want it all!
You have collaborated with other creative people and brands, for example your recent project with Sam Bailey for Converse #stayathome. How important do think collaboration is to your individual practice and also for the creative industries in general?
I am always open to collaborations, it is the best way to engage with other creatives I feel inspired by. I really like the exercise of getting out of my bubble and for a while meeting someone in the middle where usually I end up trying out some techniques I wouldn’t consider in a normal situation. When creatives work together the potential of getting something really impressive is multiplied as everyone has different qualities to add and I guess that’s exactly the results the creative industry is looking for.
Recently you created a series of 3D scans of people who were protesting for ‘Black Lives Matter’ - in what context did you use this work to support the campaign?
When it came to attending the Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park, it was important for me to show my support to the Black community. I always join causes I believe in. I do believe in an equal society in which everybody should have the same rights and privileges regardless of their skin colour, religion, gender or sexuality. The relevance of the event sparked me to create the digital sculptures. I wanted to immortalise this historic moment. Protestors have been captured by different kinds of media and I wanted to try another technique.
Technically how do you create your digital work?
My work is a mix of different techniques, the ones I use the most are modelling + rigging and 3D scans.
Where do you see your creative practices developing in the future?
I am working on turning my digital sculptures into physical ones by 3D printing. I am also very excited about jewellery using my FEMMES and some pieces will be out very very soon.
interview GABY MAWSON
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