Estela Menasse is an independent artist based in Mexico City. Her distinctive strokes explore floral elements and emotions, supported by her technical vision in graphic design. Each of her pieces is accompanied by a poem.

estelamenasse.com | @estudiomenasse

Estela Menasse, Artist

“...when she [Estela’s Grandmother] arranged the vase & flowers, it was like magic, beautiful. I started arranging when I was a child, and my intent is to always set a good table with flowers in my home.”

— Estela Menasse, Artist

What is your origin story and the type of work that you create?

I started when I was in university.

I talked with Sebastián (Creative Director of Dórica, fellow Obra Imports Partner) about pursuing art, and he told me, "Yes, why not?", so I started painting more at my mother's home. During the pandemic, I started sharing photos on Instagram with the world. A lot of people close to me told me my work is unique, with great feelings and colors. I think the ability was there within me, in my heart, & in my work. So I started sharing & sending my catalog to others.

I think my technique and vision has evolved, but I do think these influences stay present with an artist throughout their career. My inspiration is the same: feelings in the moment, and nature & flowers. My paintings have a lot of color. I want to convey that these colors are related to the feelings, emotions, and memories you feel in the works.

Estela with her stunning work, Sueños Profundos 02

Have you always enjoyed making and creating in Coyoacán? What do you like about that part of town?
Estela: Yes, it's amazing. Coyoacán [Mexico City] has an artistic essence. My studio is very close to The Blue House [Frida Kahlo’s house & current museum]. I feel the neighborhood has a good, very artistic energy.
Can you dive deeper into the inspiration for your work?
Estela: My favorite artist is Joan Mitchell, the painter. There are explosions of colors and textures in her work. She was also inspired by flowers. The music I hear the most when I'm painting is classical music. And sometimes one of my favorite groups, The Midnight. Their lyrics and music are very nostalgic for me, and I connect a lot with them.
I'm also learning a lot from Sebastián and Regina (Senior Manager of Dórica) now, because they are my team, my support. Before, I had another catalog and different organization of my output. They’ve helped me share my story. The photos of the showroom, the presentation-style, the catalog layout. These are all very important to me, and I think they make a big difference in storytelling.
Are there certain places or vibes that inspire creativity for you?
Estela: I love to go camping because in that place, you are disconnected from everything. So you connect with nature, for example the trees, the wind, and the singing of birds. Also I find inspiration in places like museums & concerts.

Estela with her work, Sueños Profundos 01. Estela is lounging on Dórica’s Ereditha Loveseat, also available on Obra Imports.

Estela walking Obra Fam through her inspiration for Sueños Profundos 001 (right). This is one of Sammy’s (Obra Fam) favorite photos.

How do you make decisions about the materials you use in your work?

In general, I use acrylic, oil, and sometimes pastel.

Although right now, I use a lot of water colors and acrylic. I use oil as the final layer. So it's a combination of multiple materials. I usually begin with a single color as my starting point, for instance blue [points to a specific piece of art]. In this example, the blue transmits peace, serenity, and happiness. It reminds me of the clouds. Sometimes, my pieces are nostalgic, and I try to represent the feelings of this memory on the canvas.

Sebastián Ángeles, Creative Director of Dórica, soaking up the rich blues of Estela’s paintings [Sueños Profundos 003, back]

Can you tell us about your Pájaros (birds) project with Sebastián (Creative Director of Dórica) - was it a collaborative effort?
Sebastián: Yes, it was a collaboration. We set the concept of birds, because of the freedom they represent. And I proposed to Estela, "You should do your own interpretation of the animals, and we can explore both sides of the creative focus."
Estela explained that for this collaboration she used more white & gray than normal. Sebastián designed collectible pieces of ceramics to accompany Estela’s paintings.
Can you tell us about some of your rituals at the studio when you are creating?
Estela: Yes, the first thing I do is change my clothes. I put on an overalls and remove my shoes. I always burn candles or incense & open the windows. I look for the natural light. Sometimes I listen to music, and other times I listen to the street - it depends on the day.
If you were having your last meal, who would you invite, what would you eat, and where would the setting be?
Estela: All of my people: my family, my mom, Sebastián, my close friends. We would eat carne asada & a salad. It would be in the afternoon, on a Friday. With a lot of wine and carajillos (hopefully made by Sebastián). I imagine it in my home. But my favorite place in the world is Ranchos Santa Elena in Hidalgo, Mexico. Maybe this will be during a camping trip.
What is your favorite recipe to make?
Estela: I love fruit. I mix fruit, like mango, or maybe jicama with cucumber, dressed with chamoy, and Tajín. I love that kind of salad.

Estela’s work in the collaborative project, Pájaros (birds), with Sebastián Ángeles (Creative Director of Dórica).

Obra Fam admiring a different piece in Estela’s collaborative project, Pájaros (birds), with Sebastián Ángeles (Creative Director of Dórica). From left to right: Josh (Obra Fam), Estela, Lenny (Obra Fam), Regina Ángeles (Creative Director of Dórica).

Can you tell me about your passion for arranging flowers?

Yes, my grandmother always had flowers in her house.

She was a wonderful flower artist - when she arranged the vase & flowers, it was like magic, beautiful. I started arranging when I was a child, and my intent is to always set a good table with flowers in my home. I always think of my grandmother when I paint & she has influenced my love of art & flowers.