March 13, 2015
PHOTOGRAPHER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR VICTORIA AGUIRRE
There is a long line between where Victoria Aguirre stands today, and the place where she started in this world. The creative director and co-founder of the homewares and photographic print business Pampa was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and grew up between the city and her family’s farm in the province of La Pampa. Today she is about to move to the small town of Bangalow in Northern NSW. In-between Victoria studied advertising at university in Buenos Aires and photography in New York. She also worked as a photojournalist for several Argentinian magazines before meeting her Australian partner and co-founder of their business, Carl Wilson. Together they launched Pampa with a view to honouring the traditions of her native country. The rugs are handmade in Argentina using a lengthy process of weaving on backyard looms, Victoria says. On their expeditions to Argentina to select the best pieces, the couple also take photos to capture their journey. “What we are trying to say with tracing maps - it’s part of our logo - is that we are two explorers connecting cultures through our memories and creations, tracing heritage and art whilst uniting territories,” Victoria says.
Which five words best describe you? Passionate, creative, driven, adventurer, stubborn - very honest with this last one.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? My career started from a passion for my home ground in La Pampa, Argentina, for my roots and family horses. I always knew I wanted to be a photographer to show my love and respect for these amazing animals. After finishing my degree in adverting in Buenos Aires, I decided to move to New York and study photography at ICP, the International Center of Photography, and explore my creative path. Upon my return to Buenos Aires, I started working as a photojournalist for several magazines. Adventure magazine sent me on assignment to the North of Chile to cover a special feature on some Argentinian surfers exploring the full length of the Latin American Pacific Coast. Three days after I arrived in Chile I met Carl, my partner and co-owner of Pampa, whom was a friend of these two surfer brothers. After camping for a month in the Atacama Desert, we decided that for our young relationship to work I needed to move to Australia. So I did… and as soon I arrived in Australia in 2012 I knew that for me to be happy here I needed to start something that connected my strong Latin culture with Carl’s culture, so Pampa was born. Carl left his secure full-time job to take a risk with me and create Pampa. Now, it is our little baby, growing every day with a massive thirst of exploring art, preserving heritage and empowering culture.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Listen to your inner-self; it always knows what’s best for you.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Bringing Pampa rugs to Australia, because behind them are talented, genuine artists that we admire and we are very proud to represent, and also knowing that Pampa horses are now hanging on the walls of people’s homes of whom I am not familiar with.
What’s been your best decision? Starting Pampa and its journey.
Who inspires you? Nature.
What are you passionate about? Horses, photography, artists, design, books, books, and more books, and exploring while travelling. I can’t stay still by the pool of a hotel.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Frida Kahlo.
What dream do you still want to fulfill? To build a balanced life in Australia and Argentina, so we can have the best of both worlds.
What are you reading? One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Dumbo Feather. I just discovered this magazine and I’m loving it.