Sonia de Gerónimo

Textile worker

©Lorena Grandío

Contemporary basketry

Sonia studied fashion design but she considers herself self-taught
She makes functional and decorative pieces mainly with cotton rope
Her innovative craftwork ranges from traditional to contemporary

Sonia de Gerónimo has been involved in handicrafts since she was a child. However, she did not consider it a real career option until she graduated in fashion design, enrolled in various textile courses, and discovered cotton rope. In 2015, she started making bags and baskets out of this material, combining traditional craft techniques and innovative design notions she had gained during her studies. Two years later, she launched her workshop to create her brand, Degerónimo. Since then, she has tried to carve a place for herself in a world more and more focused on industrial production. She passionately believes her work with cotton rope can give a new twist to contemporary basketry.

Interview

©De Gerónimo

©De Gerónimo

Can you tell us about a memorable moment in your professional life?: I remember when the Thyssen Museum shop asked me to tailor a bag for an exhibition on the fashion designer Balenciaga and Spanish painting. I had to produce about 700 bags, and I had never worked with such quantities before. It was a real acid test.
What are your skills?: I consider one of my talents to be the ability to create contemporary bags, baskets and tableware pieces that are reminiscent of a more traditional basketry and pottery. I adapt the commonly used cotton rope and give it a second life to create my objects.
How is your craft linked to where you live?: All my work is closely related to Galicia: from the primary material I work with – the rope used by the redeiras – the women who make fishing nets, to my principal sources of inspiration such as basketry and pottery, very traditional crafts in this region.
Could your profession be in danger of extinction?: I do not consider my craft to be in danger of disappearing. I believe that now all activities related to design, art and craftsmanship have rising values. Without a doubt, all crafts are a fundamental part of the culture of this region and this country.

Sonia de Gerónimo is a rising star she began her career in 2016