Talking about people who attract our attention and admiration is something we see as a necessary gesture. That’s why we named this column 'People have the power', because it's about the power hidden within people that we want to share.
And if for some the saying 'tell me who you hang out with and I'll tell you who you are' holds true, being surrounded by the people we encounter by chance or those we choose, or those who capture our curiosity, fills our hearts with pride.
Today, we introduce Clarissa in our own way, a bit disjointed and unsteady, just like we are.
We expected our conversation to be different, perhaps over steaming tea and warm biscuits, but real life, filled with commitments, children, and unexpected detours, changed our plans. So, instead of that, we fired up our computers, bridged the miles between us with a good internet connection, and still managed to work our magic.
Talking with Clarissa brings tranquility, and we hope to convey the same vibes to you.
What question would you like us to ask you?
laughs
Like this? A self-question, let me think... I think it could be "why did you leave your stable job for something like this?"
Clarissa left her makeup artist job in 2017, so she can’t blame COVID for this move, which might seem crazy to many. She realized her job was draining her soul and had a vague idea swirling in her head. Without much thought, she decided to pursue it.
She wanted to make matrices. Unfortunately, she had nothing and started with basic tools, using the weight of a machine instead of a press to flatten linoleum sheets.
That quirky idea eventually worked. She insists that the importance of listening to herself triumphed over everything, regardless of the outcome.
I believe the important thing is to understand WHAT YOU DON'T WANT TO DO.
How does it feel when you create a matrix?
It's my prayer!
The world has been speeding up lately, and Clarissa tells us how following those rhythms and directions that don’t always align with her thoughts can be tiring. Entering her workshop and dedicating herself to her passion (as she describes it, it takes so much of her that calling it just work is reductive) allows her to disconnect. During those moments, she focuses deeply on what she feels. She wishes that feeling could permeate the finished piece she holds. She wants to pass on that slowness we all need. Craftsmanship takes its time to emerge, much like plants. All natural things need their time; they may not always bear fruit, but they’ve completed a journey. That’s the time frame she wants to capture and convey.
Why herbs?
I prefer herbs for their humility. They are small and discreet but hide enormous potential.
She talks about how everything stems from the past, from her grandparents taking her to walk in the fields, to her grandmother cooking wonderful nettle gnocchi. As she recounts gathering nettle bundles, trying not to get stung, she explains how she felt the need to find her own identity. Breaking away from everything she had been up to that point, she rebelled and went in search of the woman she would become.
When she restored balance, delving into herself, she rediscovered her nature. This led her back to books and started studying those long-forgotten plants.
Unexpectedly, something came into her life, something she couldn't ignore because it’s part of her. A warning bell from her body led her to study wild plants too.
Clarissa is at home, so she has time to study and explore, deciding to understand how colors were made in the past. This further step led her to dye with herbs.
What does a matrix mean to you?
Basically, it's a way to capture an idea, a concept.
In her view, a matrix is the simplest way to convey the same thing to many people. A stamp isn’t an end in itself like a painting. The beauty of scalability and reproducibility. Ideas circulate, creating connections that generate more.
How are your green products received?
There are differences between online and retail sales.
She explains how fairs and markets have a mixed audience, with people knowledgeable and motivated and others less inclined to recognize the importance of the item. Perhaps the web, she says, is more aware. Online, people choose what they seek.
Unfortunately, the importance of a product's eco-sustainability isn’t always recognized. Online, she can explain her production processes, helping the audience fully understand the work and possibly fall in love with it. On a stall, they find a finished product that, unable to explain itself, strikes fewer emotional chords.
The attention and care required for my pieces don't fit into 'fast fashion'.
She talks about how even a simple 40-degree wash can be a deterrent in the age of fast fashion. A small percentage appreciates it properly, but there's still a lot of education needed.
People have no point of comparison for quality. Small businesses close or grow to follow the market. We must provide a correct comparison.
They ignore, but it's our job to let them know there's another world.
A yes and a no to the work of an artisan?
Freedom!
Being your own boss seems like everyone's dream, but Clarissa explains it's not all that glitters. Freedom here goes hand in hand with responsibility.
She talks about balancing the books, the importance of having several backup plans on hand. Good organizational sense and constant thought are necessary.
Is there still magic around?
Absolutely yes!
Her eyes light up; we could see it even through the screen.
However you classify it, even when you don’t believe it, the question is: “Do people still want to see it?” “Do they want to keep their eyes open?”
True magic lies in deciding to stop and look because it’s everywhere. Absolutely, it’s there!
For her, stopping the moment is essential. She explains that life makes her feel either too ahead or too behind, and we absolutely agree with her. That’s why she makes matrices, static things that can stop moments. Throughout this interview, we often repeated how important it is to learn to 'BE'.
For our last question, we asked her which plant she identifies with, and she talked about Horsetail, Thistle, and Plantain. A journey through plants from before and after becoming a mother. Plants, as she explains, with 'bone structure'. The first, composed of 90% silica, is dry, without flowers or leaves, a schematic plant linked in astrology to Saturn, 'the great punisher', the one who removes the superfluous. The second, also bony and thorny, hides a soft heart. And Plantain, a super humble plant, remarkably strong, healing tissues and a potent soothing agent.
In short, to tell you the truth, we think she loves them all, just like a mother who knows how to multiply her love for her children.
Clarissa makes matrices.
Clarissa knows plants.
Clarissa is a mother and partner.
Clarissa is a good witch of our time? Yes!
It’s that still moment each of us should seek as soon as possible.
If you want to see her work, we leave you the link to her Instagram page beklaprintmaking.
We'll soon have two works by Clarissa in our store, accompanying you in your purchases. Our loyalty card stamps will be made by her.