Irene Quintal always had a great appetite for the arts, which grew over the years through various training courses. Her degree in arts, incidentally, a lesson in art history, gave her the idea of creating collections of fashion accessories in cork marketed with great success at fairs all week-ends, in Funchal.
Tell me a little bit of your project, how you came out with the idea ofcreating fashion accessories with cork.
Irene Quintal: Well it was so when I was doing my course in college, my professor of Portuguese art history addressed the work of various Portuguese artists who were already using cork, which is a Portuguese product. I found it all very interesting, but at the time had many works to do and could not go investigate. Once I finished the course the first thing I did was go to the internet looking for information about this material, I went looking for suppliers that I found, I made a small order and then brought the first pieces made by me to the fair. There were 4 large suitcases and a smaller one to take advantage of smaller pieces of cork I had. In an instant I sold everything and realized I had to continue with this concept, by that time I also worked with fabrics, bags made for women and children, but I ended up choosing the cork and then have been popping up other accessories such as purses, necklaces, bracelets and earrings that were the last thing I got to do.
You always had this craving for art of hands?
IQ: Yes, I have always enjoyed crafts, since long ago. Had a particular course of painting and two of my colleagues, told me I should go back to school and do a degree in arts. I answered that I did not wanted to study subjects that did not interest me, but the insistence was so that I decided to apply myself under the auspices of the program over 23 years old, I got the first place and follow straight ahead and finished it.
The craft appears as a result of this love for the arts?
IQ: Yes, when I was already in the course of painting made handicrafts but with fabric. First started bringing paintings to exhibitions, but were large and valuable and people were not very receptive to spend so much money. So I turned to the fabrics and accessories made from this material, only after that come the cork.
What are the challenges you have for example, to work with the cork?
IQ: Cork is a bit stiff to work. I have a callus on the hand that is from the scissors to cut the cork and even sticking it to do, for example, the earrings is not very easy. Use a standard belt puncher, also use leather with cork to create a decorative different effect, this natural material has a very uniform color and leather works in terms of contrast, I do it with the coin purses I added the colorful zipper and the leather flowers.
It's hard to sew is it not?
IQ: Yes, it is not very easy. I have an old sewing machine that can drill this type of material. I do the labels, the laces, everything.
Of all the accessories you sell what are the pieces that women like most?
IQ: Enjoy all of the bags as much of purses that are very colorful. People end up using a bit of everything, as the bracelets with pendants and necklaces are also popular. I take medals to cover with cork to give a different effect. I even have a symbol made from cork.
How long does it take to make a collection?
IQ: It depends on what the collection is. Right now I sold the last bag I made of a set; five models were made from one week to another. As I have fair every Saturday in the next issue I always have new accessories.
People who buy it value the fact that it is national cork?
IQ: Yes. And give much value to cork.
