A refuge in patterned leatherwork
- Sonia creates colourful, marbled leather bags, wallets and accessories
- She learned leather marbling techniques on her own, through online courses
- Her creative process has a therapeutic effect on her
Sonia Villalba’s career path in Tenerife has always revolved around family ties. As a speech therapist, she worked with children using a holistic and multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. Nevertheless, almost 20 years into her career, Sonia found herself on a journey of healing as she reclaimed her own roots, stepping away from her practice and dedicating herself into leatherwork. "Even though I am self-taught, my father, a master leatherworker, mentored me. My grandfather and brother also work with leather," she explains. Sonia's bags are distinguished by the burst of colour in the marbled leather she creates. “On my toughest days, I obtain the most inventive patterns,” she says, revealing how deeply emotions run through her work. Sonia's bags and accessories are part of the Canarian craftsmanship scene, primarily serving local clients.
INTERVIEW
It is a childhood memory, a family refuge. I remember the distinct smell of leather, my father’s tainted hands and clothes, and his meticulous works. He has always been a great source of inspiration and admiration.
I had been working as a speech therapy for almost 20 years when I decided to give my career a definite turn towards craftsmanship in 2019. I found leatherwork almost by accident. It was my turn to get the therapy I needed: a break from others' problems to enjoy the bright side of life and seize opportunities for growth.
I started with crafting handbags. I was thinking in terms of functionality, influenced by my past job. I often had to carry large folders and educational materials, and wide bags were always the most practical way to transport them.
I learned the technique through an online course by myself. I think my interest comes partly from my work with children and its constant connection to colour, materials and creativity. The process itself has a therapeutic effect on me. Marbling has helped me soften my perfectionist tendencies by teaching me to accept any outcome. In fact, this is what makes my work unique: no two marbled pieces are ever identical.
