Mika Barr stands for a kind of textile design that is being enthusiastically received the world over. A graduate of Tel Aviv’s Shenkar College, she prints pillows, blankets and other textiles with a polymer in such a way that they have refined geometric folds. And therefore ‘wrinkle’ in their own special way. Mika Barr loves experimenting with fabrics and uses both silkscreening and digital printing techniques. And she certainly has the right feel for these things, as evidenced by the countless designers and companies she has collaborated with. Her textiles have been used, for example, by Israeli furniture maker Producks for its “Poli” armchair and “Buttercup” pendant luminaire. Barr is both a designer and an entrepreneur who sells her own home accessories – a dual role that initially caused her all the usual hiccups, but sales through online provider Etsy and stores in her home country are now on a scale that leave the self-confessed optimist completely happy.
Mika Barr
Whowhatwherewhenhow?
Where would you like to live?
Ahhm, Tel Aviv ! So here I am. If not – I would like to try Paris for a while.
Your favorite character in the history of design?
Just one? Then I have to say Patricia Urquiola. But I like also Achille Castiglioni and Charles and Ray Eames.
Which qualities do you admire in a designer?
Interesting use of materials, colors and shapes. When they have a surprising perspective.
What do you enjoy doing most?
Listening to live music.
Your main personality trait?
Optimistic, I think.
Your biggest mistake?
Not learning to play a musical instrument when I was young.
Your idea of happiness?
Being with my family and friends.
What do you find really annoying?
Radio commercials.
Your favorite material?
It comes in periods… Different textiles – linen, wool, combined knits. Also wood and paper (which is kind of the same, if you think about it).
Your favorite flower?
Buttercup.
What kind of music do you listen to when you work?
It moves between Israeli Rock and Pop singers, to New Wave, with a touch of folk and also… dance. You can pretty much say I’m an 80’s girl.
Which design achievement do you most detest?
There are some very ugly buildings in Israel…. One of them is the Dizengoff Shopping Center, but it’s so ugly that you have to like it, eventually.
Which talent would you like to have?
I think it’s already obvious – Playing/Writing music.
Can you describe your present state of mind?
Partly cloudy – in a good way.
Your motto?
“If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else”, Laurence J. Peter.
