Studiolo&Bottega

How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
Studiolo&Bottega was born to nurture the creative spark within us. The goal from the beginning has been to stimulate a strong connection with the world and oneself through art and design. This has always been a guiding principle that we cannot lose sight of. Inspiration is our raw material and we seek to share it through knowledge and spaces for the exploration of our own creative power.  

What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
One of the most representative pillars of Studiolo&Bottega is our art and design bookstore. One of the things we enjoy most is the curation of these books. We look to publishers in other countries to bring inspirational material to Mexico. Sometimes just by appreciating the cover of the book, its aesthetics and materials, you automatically become curious to know its contents, which leads you to a state of contemplation. This is something we seek to share with people. Stillness, curiosity and appreciation of art and design without making it too complicated. 

If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
We would invite you not to miss having a good talk with us. We love to talk about what inspires us. Please don't stop talking about what excites you the most.

What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
Undoubtedly, art and design are still associated with a high degree of elitism. Our intention is to bring it closer to people in a casual and unpretentious way so that you can make it more and more a part of your life. That's why in our bookstore we have a great selection of books not only about art, but also about how to understand art. Besides we try to explain it easily in our communication. Because art is not presumed, it is shared. 

What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
There is a word in Greek, Thauma, which refers to awe and can be considered the starting point of philosophy. We believe that the amazement that you experience when contemplating a work of art or design, activates in us the desire for knowledge. It captivates and moves our soul, seeking to explore new horizons, finding a new meaning that only art can give us.

What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
The work of artists, architects and designers is and always has been our inspiration. We have a deep respect for their work and seek to bring people closer to these masterpieces, inspiring empathy and respect for human talent.

If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
We would invite Rick Rubin to chat for hours about art and creativity, undoubtedly accompanied by the best music. We would hold a workshop where we could learn from him directly and activate our creativity while being deeply inspired.   

Is there an object, corner or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
Few know where our name comes from. But, during the Renaissance, there was the “studiolo,” which is where the word studio comes from, meaning a room for contemplation. That's where our book-room or bookstore comes in, as it is a space for learning. While in this same period, artists also had the “bottega”, which was the workshop. For us, the bottega are the spaces and workshops that we extend to explore our creativity.

If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
If we were a musical album it would have to be In Rainbows by Radiohead. It's experimental yet accessible, elegant yet emotional. Like Studiolo & Bottega: carefully curated, mysterious, enchanting, and with layers that are gradually revealed. 

Answers by Samantha Arredondo, founder of Studiolo&Bottega.