FORMA ROSA is a design studio based in Brooklyn, co-founded by Maria Teresa Castillo and Santiago Brown. Inspired by technology, art and natural phenomena, Forma Rosa Studio creates limited edition functional pieces that seek to bring us closer to our natural roots. Their practice is defined by a cultural clash between the handmade and the digitally designed, a relationship that also defines the studio’s aesthetic and its vision. Returning to handcraft from a place of technology, the naturally complex shapes are digitally grown by the pair in NYC and handcrafted by artisans in Peru, a place Maria calls home. They push the unexpected clash between these concepts to sculpt new ways for them to create form, tactile sensations and to find a newfound intimacy to their objects.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT I WOULD BE SURPRISED TO FIND IN YOUR SPACE?
A 7ft fiberglass pink sculpture hanging from our living room! We made back in 2019.
WHAT’S THE ONE PRACTICE THAT HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE THE MOST? MEDITATION, RUNNING, WRITING, ETC.
Walking in the mornings with our Frenchie around the neighborhood, when Brooklyn is still quiet and mostly asleep!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL WORKSPACE IN THREE WORDS…
Maria: Spacious, Natural Light, With Character!
Santi: Organized, Spacious, CNC-machine?
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?
Maria: “Querer es poder” meaning “willingness is power.” It’s a phrase my mom would remind me of growing up, and I realize now how much it inspired my determination and passion…
Santi: A mental health specialist and family friend once told me to think about growth like the seasons. Each goal that you are trying to work on goes through the phases: from Spring, where the seed and idea is planted; to summer, tending to the seeds, watching them grow; to fall, when you can finally harvest; and then winter, where there is a natural dead period. It’s cyclical, so for each goal or task that you are trying to focus on, you need to understand what part of the cycle you are at. It helps putting things into perspective– helps me be patient and realize what type of effort I need to put in at the time.
WHERE DID YOU FIND THE COURAGE TO FOLLOW YOUR OWN PATH?
First, from curiosity, a serious need to explore the unknown! But when I left home to come to NYC to study design, I believe I found courage from my husband and studio partner, Santi!
WHAT IS THE MOST PRODUCTIVE PRACTICAL TIP YOU COULD IMPART TO A FELLOW CREATIVE?
I would encourage them to learn about creating their own company. I do think it depends on many factors, but it it’s great for tax reasons, for a start.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?
Creatives paths are non-linear. So, try different things and trust on yourself!
I WAS AND AM VERY DYSLEXIC, AND HAD ADHD AS A CHILD. DID YOU HAVE ANY LEARNING DIFFICULTIES GROWING UP, OR DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WITH NEURODIVERGENCE? HOW DID YOU PUSH THROUGH?
Maria: The language barrier was always challenging for me and to some extent limitative. When younger, I got switched off high schools a few times– went from a Spanish-speaking school to a British English-speaking high school, which of course made me very shy and embarrassed at first. But I appreciate my parents for giving me the opportunity of the challenge. I managed it by having enough confidence from my other passions at the time and through my community of friends who helped me and made me feel included.
Even when I came to the States, and was challenged by language again, I had a confidence in myself to remind me of the reason I had come. Language is something I am still self-conscious of, but my community as well as the industry I am in now have been extremely helpful. And there is also a global language of talking by doing, expressing myself through my work, art and design…
Santi: I have a type of ADHD that makes me either laser-focused on a task or not focused at all. But I’ve found different ways where I can achieve focus. Often what helps is minimizing my sensory inputs, using noise canceling headphones, dim lighting, music, and caffeine or green tea.
WHAT CAN YOU SEE OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOWS?
We live in a ground floor apartment in Williamsburg, so we can see people passing by, and they can see us. It used to keep us so aware; now, I am used to it. Our bedroom has become part of the streetscape!
FAVOURITE SONG/BAND WHILE WORKING?
It depends on the kind of work. When I am wheel throwing or clay modeling, I always start with one artist and song: Rocio Durcal’s “Amor Eterno.”
