Déborah
Abizanda

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

I live and work in Madrid in the heart of the city. My studio is in Lavapiés, one of the most multi-cultural neighborhoods in the capital. Furthermore, my space is located in what we call “The Golden Mile” of Art. Doctor Fourquet is a small street that has about 15 art galleries.

Working in a city like this is a challenge, especially to make ceramic sculpture. The ceramic medium requires a series of tools, space, materials… which are sometimes difficult to obtain here. But it is achieved, finally.

Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

I have two favorite spaces around my studio. When I need tranquility and some beauty, I go to the La Casa Encendida restaurant. It is a social and cultural foundation that is just 4 minutes from my location. It is a peaceful place, the food is good, and there is always an exhibition that you can visit.

When the good weather comes, I go to “Esta es una plaza”, a park made by the neighbors, with an urban garden, an improvised stage and houses and toys for the children. I feel like I’m in Berlin.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

here are many problems, but at the national level, as in the rest of Europe, the economic crisis is worrying. The rise in prices of food, electricity and especially, houses. Specifically, in Lavapiés, being a neighborhood in demand by tourism, there is a lot of gentrification.

People are kicked out of their homes to put up tourist housing. And that is a big social problem, which dehumanizes the city, in addition to turning the neighborhood into a tourist “amusement park.” Businesses like mine, personal and small, give identity to the neighborhood.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

They have improved and increased the cultural and artistic offer, towards quality proposals that come mainly from independent curators. It is a great effort actually made by the people, by the artistic creators and promoters. Although there is still much to do.

On the other hand, the closure of businesses that gave identity to the neighborhood causes the authenticity and identity of the city to decrease. Small unique businesses that make each city different. And the elimination of green areas. In Madrid, trees are being cut down indiscriminately, and that is a tragedy.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

Umm, there are a lot! 

I would like to recommend two local manufacturers. Henar Iglesias and Laurent Dif.

Henar creates pieces with feathers. When he was 8 years old, he realized that no one did it in his country. His work is super artistic and handmade. In fact, she makes contemporary crafts.

Laurent is an amazing metal fabricator. He works in another typical neighborhood of Madrid, called Carabanchel. He arrived 20 years ago, setting up his own workshop in another typical neighborhood, Carabanchel. There he makes incredible designer furniture.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

It is a difficult question, since I have lived in Madrid all my life, and nothing is “innovative” for me. But my friends say that Madrid is a place that welcomes foreigners quite well. Not from a tourist perspective, but to live here. To start a new life, friends, family… It is an easy and welcoming city. Although it is a large metropolis, it is something that can be felt in many neighborhoods of Madrid.

On the other hand, Maybe the “Bares”, the places where you can go, take a drink with friends. You can steal found good “tabernas” traditional places with tapas and good drinks, vermuts and wines typical of that a specific Taberna. Madrid still conserve a free “tapa” with a drink. It was typical in the past, in all Spain, but not some countries already eliminated them. Not Madrid.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

I love “Cow Widow.” The name is very particular, it translates as “cow widow”. This restaurant opened in 1903 and it was run by a man named Segundo Cows. When his wife died, the restaurant was called “Cow Widow.”

In that place you can eat traditional food made with seasonal products and homemade techniques. It reminds me of how my mother cooked (because my mother was a cook).

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

Yes, I like a store located in La Latina (the neighborhood where I live), where they make traditional candles. It is a very small shop, from the beginning of the 20th century, which supplied candles for the surrounding churches. His small workshop is still there, and now you can buy different types of candles, not so fashionable, but very traditional and durable.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

I don’t use so many apps

But, I do already use Instagram for my work, every day. And the photograph app called Halide.

I do love Planoly too, for programing posts.

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

When I’m looking for social or political issues, I read eldiario.es. I also check an online news aggregator called Meneame. 

For cultural issue I check different places, like the online website caixaforumplu.org and many podcasts. And the website Action Cultural Española.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

It would stop cutting down trees in city parks and instead create more green spaces. It is essential because if there is a problem in Madrid it is pollution. The city is wonderful, but it also has to be livable. On the other hand, it would dedicate more public spaces for artistic creation.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

Since I was very little, I have wanted to live in Sweden. I have a political family from there, and I discovered Stockholm when I was 14 years old. Since then, I have visited the country 7 times, and I always want to return. I would love for it to be my next destination for an art residency.