We are so grateful to be surrounded by such inspiring creatives, we wanted to introduce you to the multi-talented Luna who has been collaborating with us for the past couple of years.
Could you give us a short introduction of yourself? What do you do?
I am a professional singer and mixed media artist, deeply committed to integrating educational activities and sustainable practices into my work. Born and raised in Brazil, I studied fine arts before moving to Spain at the age of 23. It was in Barcelona that I discovered my passion for singing and decided to pursue it professionally. To support my music scholarship, I worked in various after-school clubs and conducted multiple creative craft workshops. These experiences have enriched my artistic journey before I became a professional singer.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, I'm an active and creative person who loves to engage in various crafts and activities. Embroidery and sewing are my absolute favourites. I find joy in creating something beautiful and useful with my hands. Beyond that, I'm also a cooking enthusiast. Experimenting with new recipes and techniques in the kitchen is another way I express my creativity. It's incredibly satisfying to combine flavours and ingredients to create delicious meals for myself and others to enjoy.
Can you give us some information on your work at Sunny Jar and how you came to work there?
I met Maud at a yoga class at the Community Center in Surrey Quays. At that time, I was only working as a singer, but also keeping my crafts activities as a hobby. We quickly discovered our shared passion for textile art and found that we had many interests in common.
In 2022, right in the midst of the pandemic when music gigs were on hold everywhere, Maud invited me to work with Sunny Jar. It was a tough time for me, not being able to perform or to be close to my audience for a while. Being invited to collaborate with an organisation with such an amazing mission, brought together many facets of my life. I'm a very sociable person and an enthusiastic teacher. I love being surrounded by people and sharing crafts and knowledge. Working with Sunny Jar brought creative crafts and teaching back into my life, and helped me to maintain my strengths until I could get back on stage.
Since starting to collaborate with Sunny Jar, I've hosted a variety of workshops on different subjects, but my favourites are the textile workshops, especially creative mending.
What drew you to doing what you do?
What drew me to doing what I do today, in terms of crafts, began during my youth in Brazil, when I was an art student. I lived in a family house where my aunt ran a fashion studio on the second floor. Her vibrant and colourful style deeply inspired me. I was particularly fascinated by the remnants of fabrics and threads, that ended up in the trash during her creative process. These materials, with their vibrant colours and textures, sparked my creativity and became a significant influence on my artistic expression. Over time, I started incorporating these discarded materials into my own work, and eventually, they became the foundation of my artistic style.
What impact do sustainable values have on your art?
Sustainable values have had a profound impact on my art, particularly as a professional singer. In the beginning, like many others, I wasn't fully aware of the environmental impact of the textile industry and found myself regularly purchasing new clothes for performances. When I realised the damage I was contributing to, it caused me great anguish and guilt.
To take action, I started reusing the fabrics from my old dresses. I began modifying my clothes and creating my jewellery using materials I already had at home, or by swapping clothes with friends.
This approach not only aligns with my values but has also become an integral part of my artistic expression. It allows me to create in a more sustainable and mindful manner, which is very important to me personally and professionally.
Luna's Top Tips to living sustainably
Mend your clothes: Learn basic sewing skills to repair clothes instead of replacing them.
Reuse and repurpose: Give new life to items you already have at home, such as using glass jars for storage or turning old clothes into cleaning rags.
Swap or buy second-hand: Consider swapping items with others or buying from thrift stores to reduce waste, and support a circular economy.
Choose veggies and fresh food: Opt for more vegetables and fresh foods over processed foods to reduce packaging waste, and support sustainable agriculture.
Cook your own food and reduce waste: Prepare meals at home to control portions and minimize food waste. Freeze leftovers or make pickles to use up excess food.
Find Luna's work online:
Website
Spotify
Apple music
Comments