Creative Spaces: Macarena Luzi & Sebastian Curi
PUBLISHED BY 91 MAGAZINE
Textile artist Macarena Luzi and illustrator Sebastian Curi live in LA where they share a colourful life and carefully curated studio space. Sebastian and Macarena are two of my favourite artists working today, so you can imagine how excited I was when I was given the opportunity to peek inside their creative space and learn about how they designed it.
“I played in all kinds of bands when I was a teenager,” says Sebastian Curi, explaining the story of how he and his wife Macarena Luzi first met. One of the bands Sebastian played in also featured Macarena’s brother and it was during band rehearsals at her family home that the now-married couple initially got to know each other.
Years later, the couple were much more familiar with one another when they decided to begin co-creating in a shared studio space. Sebastian was a decade into a career in animation while Macarena was working in sales when they simultaneously decided to switch up their career.
“We felt we needed a big change that would allow us to spend more time together and also try to achieve a better work/life balance,” Macarena recalls. “After long talks, we decided to go for it. We found a very small attic close to our home - we were living in Vancouver at that time - and turned it into our first studio ever.”
Since then, they have both grown thriving freelance careers; creating striking visuals for high-end clients such as Porsche, Nordstrom, Apple and Adobe. Their creative escapades have made it possible to travel all over the world - from Barcelona to Buenos Aires - before the pandemic forced them to settle down in LA, where they have been living and working ever since.
Macarena Luzi & Sebastian Curi’s Studio Space
As their careers grew, so did the scale of the projects Sebastian and Macarena took on, and they soon needed more space than their former studio in Downtown LA had to offer. After weeks of looking at countless listings, they found a much more spacious studio in Chinatown - an area they were excited to relocate to. “We absolutely love the neighbourhood and the growing community it holds,” Macarena enthuses.
“It smells of plants and acrylic paint and there is always music or the radio playing. It can smell like paper too when we bring new silkscreen editions.”
- Macarena Luzi
Inside, the space is filled with second-hand desks, shelves and drawers they have collected over the past few years. Each piece houses an ever-growing collection of inspiring art books, luscious green plants and well-used tools. “It smells of plants and acrylic paint and there is always music or the radio playing,” says Macarena, describing how the stylish space is a delight for more than just the eyes. “It can smell like paper too when we bring new silkscreen editions.”
Both artists have distinctly different styles. Macarena uses a combination of sharp edges and organic forms to create homeware textiles and fashion pieces which are as energetic as they are abstract. Whereas, Sebastian is known for using cartoonish figures and gigantic hands in his illustration work which he often brings to life using his animation skills.
Artwork by Macarena Luzi
One aspect that ties the pair’s work together is a love of bright colour which is joyfully reflected in their studio’s aesthetic. The expansive white walls host a gallery of bold, colourful artworks, showcasing a combination of work from their own archives and prints by fellow makers. Additional accents of colour can also be found in the eclectic objects - from handmade ceramics to statement lamps - which adorn the space. While there is a carefree feel to the interior styling, each piece has been thoughtfully selected: “Everything you’ll find is there for a reason.”
Another key similarity between Macarena and Sebastian’s styles is the sense of freedom their work evokes. To achieve this, they need a space which isn’t rigid and allows for spontaneity. Almost all of their furniture is on wheels to make it easy to completely reconfigure the studio whenever needed. “This serves a clear utilitarian purpose but, at the same time, it speaks about what we do and what we like,” Macarena explains how the adaptable layout mirrors the instinctive way in which they work.
“It might look chaotic from time to time but it’s organised chaos for us. We are very proud of what we’ve done with our space and constantly talk about what we can do to make it better.”
- Macarena Luzi
“We spend a lot of time there so it’s nice to adjust and make some changes along the way” she continues. “It might look chaotic from time to time but it’s organised chaos for us. We are very proud of what we’ve done with our space and constantly talk about what we can do to make it better.”
Artwork by Sebastian Curi
There is so much to admire in this ever-changing interior. When it comes to naming a favourite piece from their curious collection of furniture and fixtures, both artists have different top picks. “I’m crazy about the flat cabinets,” exclaims Sebastian. “And the wood table in the middle. It’s all promise. Always inviting me to work on something.” Macarena’s favourite piece is an Artemide lamp which she confesses to having driven for over an hour to go and collect a few years prior. Luckily, the beautiful light it gives off each afternoon is worth the effort.
When it comes to picking the best thing about working in the same space, the pair’s answers are perfectly aligned. “Sharing our time is the best thing,” Macarena says. “We can focus when we need to work, bounce ideas off each other and also be able to hang out if we can in the middle of the day.”
“The best thing about working together is spending time with Macarena,” says Sebastian, ending our studio tour on a sweet note. It is clear that this creative couple has a whole lot of love for what they do, where they do it and, of course, each other.
This article was originally written for 91 Magazine, a UK-based independent interiors and lifestyle publication.