THE ART OF LIVING: CREATIVE PEOPLE
In the heart of Formentera, an island renowned for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere, a unique artistic project emerged in 2021. The Art of Living was conceived as a tribute to the vibrant community of artists and artisans who call this Mediterranean paradise home. This initiative seeks to capture the essence of creativity and the artistic processes of these individuals through the evocative medium of photography.
The project highlights the diverse disciplines flourishing in Formentera, celebrating the talent, dedication, and passion that contribute to the island’s rich cultural tapestry. With each portrait, the photographs offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of the creators—craftspeople, painters, musicians, and other artists—who transform inspiration into tangible expressions of art.
The Art of Living is not only a local homage but also a global message. It aims to share the creativity of Formentera with the world, showcasing the island as a hub of innovation and artistic collaboration. The project has already been featured in two exhibitions on Formentera, held in 2023 and 2024, serving as a platform to further amplify the voices and visions of its subjects.
Through this endeavor, the island’s artistic soul comes alive, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty of creation and the people who make it possible.
THE OLIVE PRESS, SANTI TUR
In a country house, where the door still retains the old original key, the arduous process of extracting olive oil from Formentera olives is carried out. There people can bring their olive harvest and Santi will put them through the olive press for 24 hours to deliver the extra virgin olive oil, unique in its flavor because it is mechanically cold processed.
THE PAINTER, ROBERT HAWKINS
Of North American origin, Robert lives and works between two different worlds, Formentera and Paris. His house-workshop on the island stands as a sanctuary of creativity. From the first moment you immerse yourself in his work, you are captivated by his keen perception of light and the fascinating depiction of island life in his paintings.
THE WEABE, OLGA
She is a skilled artisan with a profound passion for thread and weaving. Her creations span from sandals to tapestries, bags, and an array of other meticulously crafted items, all carefully made in her rustic home workshop. Dwelling in the simplicity of an authentic Formentera setting, Olga embraces a lifestyle intricately intertwined with her craft. To acquire her unique products, one can seek her out at the Mola craft market or directly contact her to visit her home-workshop located in Es Cap de Barbaria. @olga514
TEXTILE ARTIST SIMONA COLZI
Artist of nature. Co-creator with the plant world. She is dedicated to botanical impregnation. Her fabrics are pure art. Each piece is unique and unrepeatable. The alchemy and smells of her workshop are unforgettable. Her world is full of magic, pots, powder, plants, leaves, flowers and silks. A real luxury experience to have photographed such an artist and her creative processes.
Contact: +34 647 219 833 @simona.colzi.formentera
BAKERY, CAN MANOLO
A dream come true. I've always wanted to go to the back of the Can Manolo bakery. It was a real mystery to me. I wondered, how is the oven, how big is the bakery, what time they bake, and endless other questions. I must admit that the curiosity was very great. And I can only say: Uahuuu! The report began at 12 midnight and ended at 4.30. The Manolo bakery is an institution on the island, it provides bread to families, restaurants and supermarkets. The oven has been on for 56 years, now it works on gas but it is the old oven that worked with wood. The speed with which the bakers work is impressive. The man who bakes has a huge oven full and everything in mind. He knows what to take out and when, it seems to have an internal clock. A warm and fascinating environment. Raw materials are given great importance to obtain an irresistible bread. They also work with xeixa flour, an ancient and indigenous grain of the island. @can.manolo
PREPARATION OF TYPICAL SAUSAGES, JUANITO DES PLA AND BARTOLO
Participating in some typical Formentera slaughters is quite an experience. These “matanza”, which took place at the end of 2021 in Pilar de la Mola, were directed by Juanito, known as “Es Matancer”, in Bartolo's house. Tradition and care in every detail make this event a unique experience that highlights the importance of preserving local customs.
Juanito died six months after the photo was taken. His death left a void in the community, as he was highly appreciated for his experience in supervising the traditional massacres of Formentera. The loss of "Es Matancer" was deeply felt by those who valued the preservation of local customs.
THE BLACKSMITH, ANTONIO COSTA MAYANS
The images show us the day-to-day life of the Formentera blacksmith. A fascinating place to visit and photograph. The blacksmith shop has a very particular and characteristic smell that is very easy to evoke through memory, at least for me, perhaps because I was born in a port neighborhood. By spending time in this workshop you become aware of the importance of this establishment for the island. Here everything is repairable and that is wonderful because in addition to creating pieces, he restores and repairs essential pieces for an island, such as anchors, the water truck, old doors of historical places such as the mill and so on an endless number of objects that he returns to give them life Antonio has no children and I wonder if we will have a successor to the blacksmith for the next generations. Venda Des Moli de S estany 1021, Sant Ferran, Te: 971 32 80 37
THE PAINTER, JULIE AUBRUN
Julie Aubrun lives painting. Throughout his residence in Formentera he has hosted many summers, workshops in nature, such as the forests of La Mola. Although I must emphasize that not always by choice, but because in Formentera it is difficult to find spaces to live or set up a workshop. Julie sells her works at the Hippie Market of La Mola and in San Ferran. Draw in pencil and paint with watercolors. He has an absolute domain of colors and each work has a palette of tones that define the work. Many of his works are with island and rural, gastronomic and sea-related motifs. www.aubrunjulie.com @tresjuliejuliejulie
FORMENTERA GUITARS, EKKI HOFFMANN
It was a wonderful experience to enter a field so unknown to me and see the magic of how an electric guitar is built step by step. The atmosphere of the workshop is very welcoming, wherever you look it is full of tools. Good music is always playing. Eky is a great teacher and a great artist. A workshop is full of charm and creative productivity at the same time. Here you can come to do a workshop and make your own electric guitar or order one from Ekki. www.formentera-guitars.com @formenteraguitars
UR JEWELRY, ORIOL CALVET
I invite you to know a jeweler, UR JEWELRY. His name is Uri Calvet, to me, an alchemist, a magician and a forest goblin. Being in his workshop was like entering a story, a fable. I was feeling honored to be in his sacred space of creation and have had the chance to see different procedure he make to do a piece that someone is gonna wear to decorate his/her body.
Uri workshop is surrounded by a fairy tale forest, there he get inspired, he create and also he works very intensivly for the high demand of production that the summer means to him. Metals, fire, stones, strange liquids, and a lot of transformation are part of his daily life. www.urjoies.com ur_joies
THE MUSICIAN, XUMEU
Xumeu teaches traditional Formentera music at the island's music conservatory, as well as participates in contemporary music groups. And he is also the one who carves the tombstones in the Formentera cemetery. A multifaceted man and an active participant in keeping the island's culture alive and vibrant.
Know more about
THE ART OF LIVING exhibitions
This project focuses on valuing things made by hand, the slow creative processes of artists, artisans and craftsmen who work with patience, dedication, art and love, in Formentera. We live in a world where fast and profitable things are gradually extinguishing traditions, trades and small entrepreneurs. This project wants to tell, share and document through images the life and daily life of the workshops and their protagonists.
