Maria Sigma : handcrafted Heirloom
Inspired by the vivid colours of Greek nature and exceptional trousseaux -proikia- pieces of greek heritage, with a passion for re-inter-preting traditional craft techniques in a lively and contemporary way, Maria Sigma aims to create sustainable and Zero Waste textiles by using exclusively natural fibers. By emphasising on materials and texture, and removing any superfluous elements, her work pays close attention to usability and aiming at producing high-quality interior products designed to become timeless heirlooms.
On the Loom
Maria Sigma‘s approach to design is based on the idea of creating aesthetically engaging and functional textiles and objects via Zero Waste design and craftsmanship. Through a constructive, and continuous, dialogue with traditional craft techniques, the designer’s work aims at creating vibrant, but minimal, textiles that creatively interpret long-established techniques and styles yielding a vigorously contemporary and environmentally sustainable interlocutor.
The concept of textiles and production ethic reflect her dedication to Zero Waste design. Maria Sigma strives to decrease to the minimum yarn waste and unnecessary cuts, carbon footprints, the use of machinery, water and electric energy. By adhering to a Zero Waste philosophy, she aspires to make hand-weaving an even more sustainable craft. She exclusively uses natural, non-toxic, materials. She considers the environmental impact at every stage of the design and making process, as well as within her daily work environment and studio space, from designing to packaging and shipment. Sustainability, environment-friendly artefacts, and a harmonic human-productenvironment relationship are quintessential aspects of her work ethic and artistic philosophy.
Ariadne
Phaedra
Maria Sigma strongly believes that the importance of weaving must be highlighted, as it is constantly present, yet often left unnoticed. Fabrics reside in the everyday and inhabit almost every corner of a household; they create a boundary between us and nature, the culture of the body and the external world. They contribute in creating a sense of something familiar and beloved. The determinant role textiles play in our life, the power of colour, or the lack thereof, the achievement of high aesthetics through simplicity and the use of natural and sustainable materials, are the sources of inspiration and motivation. This is reflected in her work, which can be considered as the application of her approach to weaving and textiles creation.
Phaedra – Deucalion – Xenodice
Maria Sigma | Woven Textiles is an award-winning London based textile brand specialising in hand-weaving created in 2015. ‘Weaving is my way of putting the everyday chaos in order and make something honest and beautiful out of it.’ Maria after completing her studies in Textile Conservation in Greece she went on to complete a degree in Textile Design at Chelsea College of Art and Design in London. She has most recently been a recipient of Cockpit Arts / ‘Clothworkers’ Award 2016 for the second year and set up her own Textile Design Studio.
