In the studio: Ricardo Gil

Text and images: Miguel Barbot

It was early Autumn, and Jacquie and I spent a few days with Ricardo and his business partner Carol defining the studio strategy. By then, we had the opportunity to photograph the work in the big loom, handbuilt by Ricardo himself. It is so big that we almost couldn't use the title "in the studio" due to the lack of space inside.

Ricardo Gil's studio uses manual weaving techniques and natural fibres to create textile surfaces for interiors.

Ricardo pretends to create intense sensorial relations between his designs and their users. His goal is not the creation of utilitarian objects. Instead, he wants to provoke visual, tactile and olfactive experiences and provide acoustic comfort to the environment. He mixes in every design, being it a rug or a wall covering, four fundamental elements: the natural fibre, the yarn constitution, the colour and the weaving structure. 

Ricardo wants his designs to be the visual reference in the environment, allowing an immediate relation between the body and the object and providing intense pleasure to those living in the same place.

The studio believes in a peaceful revolution questioning modern industries using medium-scaled activities and artisanal techniques. It allows an intermediate, more environmentally and socially sustainable production system.

By negating a conservative or folkloric approach to craft, the studio positions itself as a socially relevant provider with solid aesthetics and significant economic value, an essential contribution to a diverse contemporary identity.

This project started in 2020's last quarter when we did a short three-day strategy assessment. Ofício is now representing Ricardo Gil Studio.

This project started in 2020's last quarter when we did a short three-day strategy assessment. Ofício is now representing Ricardo Gil Studio.