Maria Sigma takes inspiration on the island of Andros, Greece
Maria Sigma | Woven Textiles is an award-winning textile brand specialising in ‘zero waste’ ethical hand-woven textiles for interiors based in London. Maria Sigma hales from Greece and has made her home and studio in east London, working with high quality natural materials on her frame loom Maria produces textiles of remarkable elegance and quality.
A ‘hole-and-corner’ is an old English term meaning a secret place: somewhere you go to escape the world, to be inspired, to contemplate and create. Where is your ‘hole-and-corner’?
I would say that my ‘hole-and-corner’ is our family house in the island of Andros in Greece and especially a specific corner of our garden with a distant view of the sea and the lighthouse.
Can you explain why it is so special to you?
I spent all my childhood summers there and it was always a place where I had the time and the space to be creative and free, relax and be closer to the nature.
Is it important to you to have somewhere to escape from the hustle and bustle of life?
Absolutely! Growing up I have come to the realisation that being closer to the nature and having a simpler life is my escape. However as I am now living in London it isn’t very easy to escape to my ‘hole-and-corner’ or spend time in nature so I am trying always to make my home an escape from the world.
What do you like to listen to when you’re working (and why)?
A lot of music and Greek political news on the radio. Weaving can be very meditative and isolating so depending on the mood, good music (such as all-time classic Radiohead and Kate Bush, 1980s electro-pop and current bands like Electric Litany and Valia Calda) or some talking is the perfect company.
What elements do you think make a perfect ‘hole-and-corner’?
Being peaceful, close to the nature, disconnected from the digital world and ideally a view of the sea.
Is it private to you or do you let other people visit?
I enjoy sharing it with friends and family but when I need to relax and recharge I prefer to be there on my own.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t forget to sleep! I was having a rough time professionally a couple of years ago and I sought for guidance from my weaving mentor Mary Restieaux and among many pieces of advice, she emphasised that whatever happens do not forget to rest/sleep enough.
