Words by Lula Criado
Chilean Jose Romussi is an imaginative sewer. He isn’t a designer but rather a talented artist who studies landscapes instead of the arts. This makes for a creative universe that is full of vitality and mystery. Romussi takes black and white photos and sews with hundreds of colourful threads creating powerful embroidered pieces.
When the viewer sees the work, they don’t think in terms of the original image but instead, are struck by Jose’s aesthetic concept of beauty. Their attention is focused on the vibrant embroidery and the people posing statically seem to be full of movement.
In his most recent work, Jose Romussi collects images from old fashion magazines and creates elaborate mysterious images in which the face is hidden under geometric forms of embroidery.
What do you see as the ultimate discovery in human history?
It’s hard to choose which one, but I think that it, unfortunately, is transgenic food GMO, perfectly beautiful food, but with no taste. The result of the fulfilling of our desire to eat whatever we want whenever we want is that our food is poisoned.
Do you find creativity where there was once insanity?
Everyone has a bit of insanity inside themselves. I think it makes my creativity more fun.
If you would have to give up one of your five senses, which one would it be and why?
I really don’t want to lose any of my senses – It’s so hard to imagine life missing one or more senses.
Empathy and apathy… Would you be able to work with someone like yourself?
Of course! I work focused when needed. I’m easy to work with and able to take in ideas and criticism. I’m good at teamwork, but I can get stressed during busy periods.
How do you cope with creative desperation?
I close the book and finish the day. I’ll give it time and wait and I trust that my creativity will come back.
And one for the ride, when do you decide that enough is enough?
In my designs, I decide before they are made when doing the sketches. On the other side, enough will never be enough!
