Suite Art: In Conversation with Sabine Marcelis
Sabine’s work is characterized by pure forms that highlight the properties of materials. This working method allows her to intervene in the production process, using research and experimentation on materials to achieve new and surprising visual effects. Hotel de la Ville will display Sabine Marcelis’ unique work inspired by her stay at the hotel. The nuances of the Roman sunset, best seen from the incomparable sixth and seventh floor terraces of the hotel, are collected and enhanced in a spherical shape that reflects the silhouette of the alcove where the work will stand as a part of the Hotel de la Ville’s private collection.
Tell us about your background as a designer
I was born in the Dutch city of Alkmaar but immigrated to New Zealand with my family when I was 10. Growing up in New Zealand and particularly spending so much time in nature has had a huge impact on the way I work and my inspirations to date. At the age of 21, I decided to study industrial design at Victoria University of Wellington, but after two years my connection to the Netherlands pushed me back to the country where I was born. This led me to attend the Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE), where I believed I could express my creativity with more freedom. Directly after graduating I started my own studio. I knew I wanted to explore my fascinations and not work for anyone else. The first few years I did a lot of freelancing and worked around the clock all by myself. Now I am lucky to have a fantastic team of talented individuals working alongside me in my studio in Rotterdam.
I am not too interested in labels, I was trained as a designer and I think like one, meaning that I believe there needs to be a reason for every decision in the process of designing. However, I do dance on the edge of other fields like art and architecture. I am continuously exploring opportunities among production and materiality across different scales. This makes me feel extremely lucky, as I perceive what I do as a lifestyle, not as an obligation. Even when I am not at my studio, I think about new projects. I love what I do, and this keeps motivating me in everything.
And how would you describe your work?
I work with materiality as a starting point and can bring ideas to life by collaborating with industry specialists. The materials I am most known for working with are glass and resin, but I keep experimenting with new materials, cutting-edge technologies and innovative techniques. In my projects I don’t make distinctions between works commissioned by commercial clients or works created for art galleries. I put the same effort and passion in every project I develop with my team, so that all the final outcomes are embedded by the same minimalist sensibility and fueled by a sense of experimentation. Each project is an invitation to challenge myself, my team and a material. I want to keep pushing boundaries.
How did your relationship with Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte Hotel begin?
I have known Rocco Forte Hotels for many years, but I have never had the chance to experience one of their amazing stays. It all started a few months ago, when the co-curator of this project and a dear friend of mine – Edoardo Monti – called me to tell me about the project Suite Art. I was excited about experiencing a real roman stay with all the best comfort I could ever ask for.
Coming back to Rome, what makes it a special city and how do you spend your time there? Can you offer any insider recommendations around the city?
I love Italy and I have a special relationship with the country as I have a lot of friends there. My professional life has also really blossomed thanks to Italy; the Salone del Mobile and Italian luxury fashion houses have given me many opportunities to showcase my work. I don’t come that often to Rome however, so the possibility of living in the city with my family for a few days was a blast. The outstanding beauty hidden in every corner and people’s hospitality makes Rome so special. I fell in love with the colours and the light of the sunset viewed from the terrace of the Hotel de la Ville. You will see these colours returning in the work I am currently creating for the hotel! During my stay, I had the chance to visit the most iconic roman spaces such as Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona and the astonishing Pantheon, they all inspired me in different ways for my work at Hotel de la Ville. I also had the opportunity to visit exclusive venues normally closed to the public, thanks to Corinna Turati. Palazzo Colonna was one of my favorite venues.
Sabine’s artwork will be on display at Hotel de la Ville.
For more information please contact our Concierge at concierge.delaville@roccofortehotels.com or +39 06 977931.
