TextileArtist.org: What initially captured your imagination about textile art?
Rodrigo Franzão: I was a Portuguese teacher for almost a decade; during this time, I had the opportunity to combine art into my classes. In one of these classes, I prepared a class about fabric weaving. I realized then that textile art was my calling. Now, for my art research, the idea of interlacing different textile materials has become my passion as it allows me to express innumerous possibilities.
What or who were your early influences and how has your life/upbringing influenced your work?
My mother was my biggest influence. She is a seamstress. I grew up around that environment which inspired me to research and study textile art. I still remember the typical sounds that echos from a seamstress studio, the cutting sound of a heavy pair of scissors, needles rolling against each other, and the sewing machine that seems it can talk to you.
What was your route to becoming an artist? (Formal training or another pathway?)
I majored in Portuguese and Brazilian literature, after that Psych pedagogy – Art therapy then Communication in Art Education. At the end of 2015 I will graduate art college where the core is about art history and aesthetics.