Sforma Studio

Maker, designer, architect, artist - it is hard to define Clara Azzopardi from Sforma Studio. Together with her husband Keith, she experiments to transform materials and spaces with meaningful intent. 

We asked Clara some questions about her creative process, workflow, and inspirations. Get to know more about this Gozo-based creative business by reading our interview below. 

il-lokal: What motivates you to be a maker?

Sforma Studio: I like to think that studying and practicing architecture brings together the worlds of maker, designer and artist together. I've always been fascinated by the fine line between fine art and applied art—there's something magical about that blur. For me, rather than a motivation to create; I always refer to it more as a compulsion. Honestly, it feels odd when that drive to make isn't there! 'Sforma' came from the idea of transformation - a space where I could experiment with transforming materials with a meaningful intent. After all, we're all constantly transforming the spaces we inhabit and in turn, those spaces transform us through constant back and forth.

il-lokal: How did you develop your making skills? What was your learning path to get to where you are presently?

Sforma Studio: It is an ongoing journey for me. Back in the day, I took art as extra subjects alongside my A-levels. While academics were the main focus at the time, I always felt more myself when I was creating. To become an architect, one has to complete a compulsory diploma in design foundation, where I was first introduced to relief, intaglio printing and collage, in addition to drawing and photography skills. From that moment on, I was hooked. Over the years, I kept practicing these techniques to the best of my ability and today, I’m diving deeper into etching through formal lessons at VPA in Gozo. Recently, I even translated this creative process into 3D printing - thanks to my husband Keith, who acquired the required printing skills and sparked the idea. What started with 3D modeling homes grew into designing lamps and we’re absolutely loving how naturally it all evolved, even though there’s always a bit of a learning curve!

Il-lokal: What do you do or where do you go when you need a creative boost?

Sforma Studio: Creativity really kicks into gear when I just dive in and start making. There’s something about the act of getting started that fuels new ideas and I am often mostly excited by ‘mistakes’ which emerge during the process. A change in environment or daily routine, exposing myself to new scenarios is also very helpful. When an idea comes in I often write a few words and thoughts in the notes app on the phone,  then translate it to the sketchbook before taking it further. I am also fascinated by dreams and have been making an effort to write them down when I actually remember them.

Il-lokal: How would you describe your aesthetic?

Sforma Studio: I’m not always sure how to put it into words, and I often ask myself the same question. But if I had to describe it, I like to think of what I create as 'following a feeling.' In a world where everything seems to need justification, the idea of making just because, without needing a reason, brings me a sense of peace, having said that I am conscious of waste generation so I am mindful of the products I use and upcycle whenever I can. Often unknowingly, I reference the wider landscape and microbiology, always questioning things which feel beyond me in search of belonging.   

Il-lokal: Tell us about your workspace - where do you create and what tools do you use regularly?

Sforma Studio: Keith and I have our own dedicated creative spaces at home. For our 3D printed projects - Keith handles the printing and is incredibly organized, which definitely keeps things running smoothly. When it comes to lino printing, having an organized workspace is key to getting clean registration and avoiding smudges. But when I’m working on painting or collage, it’s like an explosion went off - chaos in the best possible way. I thrive in that unrestrained, free-flowing mindset. Too much order suffocates me, but too much chaos does the same! That’s where Keith comes in. It’s definitely a yin and yang situation. When it comes to tools, I think the pencil is my favorite as it is always the first thing I grab in my process. I also collect and buy fabric pieces whenever I can, this is where my love for fabric collage emerged.

Il-lokal: What kind of music do you listen to while working?

Sforma Studio: Being in a state of calm definitely helps me focus and get into a creative flow, so that is something I am constantly working on. Music helps in this and my go to artists are Sia, LP, Kovacs, Gnarls Barkley and Muse to name a few. I am also a fan of any music festivals going on especially local ones like ‘muzika muzika’, which is a haven for local creatives. Last year I watched the local musical ‘il-Kazin tal-Imqarbin’ and I was so impressed, I really wish the soundtrack would be available to put on repeat. 

Il-lokal: Who are some local artists or creative heroes whose work you admire? Why?

Sforma Studio: Locally, I’m really fascinated by people and studios that aren’t associated with one creative outlet, like Rebecca Bonaci and Luke Azzopardi Studio, to mention a couple but there are so many. I connect with this not only because of the tension between fine and applied art, but also because I love the idea of making a variety of things. It’s not that I’m great at all of them, far from it - it’s more that I can’t seem to pick just one thing to focus on and honestly, I don’t think that will ever change. There are just so many things I want to try!

il-lokal: What are your creative plans for the future?

Sforma Studio: Till now I was going with the flow, but I guess the plan should be to make more plans. International artists I’ve always admired are Jean-Claude and Christo. Their installations feel like something straight out of a dream and their proposal sketches are absolutely mind-blowing. So, a plan which I resonate with is to take the reins and turn these dreams into reality- one step at a time!