The art in sweeping
- Daniela's hand brooms are durable, biodegradable and plastic-free
- She has exhibited her pieces in several European museums
- Her broom making workshops are a reflective, hands-on experience
Daniela Monteiro's life across different continents and cultures has shaped her approach to broom making. Born in Angola to a Portuguese family, she studied philology in Lisbon at FCSH Universidad de Nova de Lisboa and specialised in translation at the University of Southampton in England. Daniela formally joined her husband’s atelier, Andor Studio, in 2023. "I am drawn to natural fibres and their use in everyday living," she says. Daniela found a connection to her Portuguese and African roots, as well as her Asian travels, in domestic utilitarian objects, such as hand brooms. “My linguistic background influences the way I construct and narrate every piece I create," she explains.
Interview
- Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
- Collaborations have been a major source of inspiration. With Hélder at Andor Studio, I create bespoke pieces inspired by art collections for various museums, such as Thyssen in Madrid, Fundación Joan Miró in Barcelona and Vitra Design Museum in Germany.
- Why did you choose to pursue broom making?
- It started as a simple experiment with fibre, and it slowly grew into a practice that took a lot of trial and error and investigation to achieve perfect results. The material reminds me of the warmth of home and family. My husband Hélder and I remember grandmothers in southern Portugal, who commonly built brooms out of esparto grass.
- What materials do you work with?
- I mostly use esparto fibre from the Iberian Peninsula and Africa, Tampico fibres from Mexico, and Arenga fibre from South Asia. I also use organic cotton coloured thread.
- What inspired you to join your husband in craftsmanship?
- It was not a sudden decision, but a gradual process. The work helped us find and understand our purpose and how we complement each other. Today, I take care of Andor’s brand strategy, product design and art direction.
Daniela Monteiro Torres is a rising star: she began her career in 2023 and she started teaching in 2023
Where
Daniela Monteiro Torres
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