Let’s Talk. Miguel Saboya
Introducing Miguel Saboya to our Reading Material series where we speak to talented artists and makers that we admire and this week we had the honour of speaking to Lisbon based furniture maker. Keep reading to find out about the creative scene in Lisbon, Miguel’s inspirations, aspirations and much more.
Where are you from and where is home now?
I’m originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil but have been living in Lisbon since 2015. I moved here with my then wife and four year old son (he’s eleven now!). She is Portuguese and wanted to come back home after years in Brazil, and I took the leap.
What attracted you to Lisbon initially?
I think above all the tranquility of the city, and its proximity to the sea. I surf and for me to leave Rio to go to a concrete jungle would be a step too far. Lisbon is so rich in things that are unquantifiable - peace of mind, a connection to the land and a sense of community - that it’s easy for people to take these for granted. It’s a city that does so many of the basics well.
“Lisbon is so rich in things that are unquantifiable - peace of mind, a connection to the land and a sense of community.”
For people that are looking to move to Lisbon. Can you tell us what the creative scene is like and what your favourite neighbourhood is to spend time in?
I think the most interesting aspect of Lisbon’s creative scene is the proximity you have to makers of all kinds. Creativity here is less high-brow and conceptual, rather it’s a very hands-on, palpable ordeal that involves centuries of craft and skills, meaning there are countless opportunities to learn and immerse yourself. Added to that, Lisbon’s been going through a good moment in terms of exchange and collaboration. I think anyone moving here will find there are tons of people wanting to connect and create together.
“I think anyone moving here will find there are tons of people wanting to connect and create together. ”
How did you get into woodwork and joinery?
Since I was a young boy I enjoyed drawing, but only discovered ‘design’ as a profession much later. Honestly though, I was never cut out for an office job. I think I’m too anxious, and have always wanted to be involved in something where I could take all the ideas I had running around my head and make them into real things. Woodwork is a way I found to bring my drawings to life. I wouldn’t be content in just designing my pieces, I want to see them in real life, touch them, try them out - and you need to get your “hands dirty” to do that.
What does your design process look like?
For me the design part is inseparable to the making part of the process. I barely spend any time just thinking and visualizing chairs, or on the computer doing 3Ds. Often, while I am making a piece, an idea for a new one will come up. The whole process is very trial-and-error based, and just following my guts or curiosity. This of course probably gets me into avoidable conundrums, but I also think that it opens up many doors. I would rather try it to find out it doesn’t work later, and have to rethink it, than to map it all out beforehand. Design can be very treacherous, it challenges you into making things you have never done before. You have to leave your comfort zone all the time, because making something that stands, works and lasts is a completely different ball-game to having a beautiful idea in your head.
Who do you design and make most of your furniture for?
Most of my furniture is made for private clients although I sometimes also do pieces for commercial spaces. All of my pieces are hand-made by myself, and understandably it’s not every restaurant or store that can make this sort of investment, both in terms of cost and time, for all their furniture. I have to say though, I am very happy to see that more and more businesses are valuing the work, and I’ve been very lucky to work with some incredible commercial clients.
What does a day in the life of Miguel look like?
My day starts with 3 cups of coffee even before going to the studio. It’s important to be alert as a woodworker :) My girlfriend and I are early-risers and will have done thousands of chores before 10am. Once in the studio, I will get stuck into whatever piece I am working on straight away, only stopping at lunchtime. I share a studio space with 3 other creatives in Dafundo, and apart from having each other's company we have also made many friends in the neighborhood, who will often stop by for a (another) coffee in the afternoon. I always try to finish my workday by cleaning up the space for the next day.
Leaving the studio, I will pick up my son at school and only then do I have my dose of screen time - checking emails, watching films etc. My girlfriend has two specialty dishes, but apart from those I do all the cooking. While I’m making dinner we’ll be discussing the film for the evening - my son’s getting to an age where he can watch almost any movie, so we’ve been introducing him to some of the classics recently. We’re normally passed out by 10.30pm already.
What are your biggest influences?
I am influenced by the most ordinary of things. I am quite perceptive and will often spot a chimney with an interesting shape while driving and that will spark my imagination. In fact, a lot of my pieces are influenced by everyday, urban artefacts such as cranes, ladders, see-saws, clothes racks. Things that go by unnoticed due to their simplicity and utilitarian nature, yet that have years of the maker perfecting and problem-solving. I try to take some of those solutions into my pieces, giving a new life to forms and mechanisms that have been time-tested.
What inspires you and where is your favourite place in Portugal to feel inspired?
Taking a moment to appreciate the ocean is always a good way to clear my mind, which in turn allows space for new ideas. And being in Lisbon it’s so easy to have that moment - I find that simply taking a stroll in the paredão in Estoril with its gentle pace and view onto the salt water pools really relaxes me.
Who is your favourite artist and why?
There are so many, but as a tribute to the recently passed away Fernando; I think Irmãos Campana are absolutely brilliant in conveying the best of Brazil in a provocative, immersive and beautiful way.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
My son :) and secondly, I guess to be able to make a living with my own tools.
What are the best bits about working for yourself and what parts do you find the most difficult?
Maybe it’s a bit cliche, but I would say the best bit is having total creative freedom, not only over your designs but also how you use your time, who you would like to work or collaborate with. One of the challenging bits for me is knowing how to create a routine and boundaries within that freedom. Knowing when to stop working (there’s always more you could do!) or how to remain calm during the slower months and understanding and working with the peaks and troughs of the workflow in general.
Do you have any advice for aspiring woodworkers who would like to make it a profession?
It’s doable. Just try.
What are you reading at the moment?
Music for Chameleons by Truman Capote.
What is your dream project?
My absolute dream would be the possibility to materialise any and all of my ideas within my own workshop. So, to have under one roof not only woodworking, but also blacksmith, textiles, glass blowing and ceramics.
What is next for Miguel Saboya?
Connecting to the answer above, I think I’d like to learn another skill that complements woodworking. I’ve already started dabbling with metal so let’s see what comes out of that.
“My absolute dream would be the possibility to materialise any and all of my ideas within my own workshop. So to have under one roof not only woodworking, but also blacksmith, textiles, glass blowing, ceramics etc.”