IN THE STUDIO WITH FOUNDER ELEANOR HATHORN.

First, tell me a bit about yourself and your creative practice and journey.  

I began working in visual merchandising almost 10 years ago, and it marked the start of a career creating visual landscapes through storytelling and curation. This idea of visual storytelling has stayed with me throughout my creative journey - using objects, props and sets to paint powerful narratives.

Around 5 years ago, I moved from London to Lisbon where I expanded my craft in set design. The beauty of the city’s materials, colours, and textures constantly inspired me to repurpose locally sourced furniture and objects into props and sets. I began to think about renovating a space and filling it with these repurposed items. Myself and some friends found a space in a historic building and put in the work to restore it. In 2022, Echo was founded, a dynamic art studio and collective in the heart of Lisbon.

What is the story behind Echo Studios? Where did the idea come from, and how did the concept come into being?

Echo came right after Covid. We all had this collective desire to work with other creatives again; to break through the walls of creating alone, at home, and without physical collaboration. It also felt like the right moment in terms of Lisbon’s creative landscape. I’d discovered the beauty of Lisbon’s creative lure - with its inspiring environment and culture - but it lacked the infrastructure or a non-commercial platform to experiment and create physically. 

After making friends with some fellow creatives also looking for a studio space, we decided to begin searching together. This is when we discovered the loft of the Ateneu - a beautiful historic space that needed life breathing back into it. Through renovation, we would transform it into a blank canvas while preserving its character and charm.

Echo was to be a physical platform and home for creatives, unlike the commercial style of a studio. It would be a place where freedom is explored in all forms, where community is built, and where collaborations are made in a supportive and homely environment free for self-expression.

What does the word ‘echo’ mean to you?

The golden ratio has inspired my work since I was a child and has been my blueprint for every creation I’ve made since. Found throughout nature, art, science, music, and geometry, I believe it unites and connects all beings on one conscious plane. 

Sacred geometry is considered an ancient science which explores the energy patterns that create and unify all things, charting the unfolding of numbers in space. It is the secret language all around us, based on the origin of creation. Just like music, the study and practice of geometry can facilitate the evolution of the soul.

Naturally occurring in our daily lives, made total sense as the brand’s symbol of creativity, connection, unity, and greater meaning. This is where ‘echo’ stems from - it is this idea of an echo effect or a rippling pattern or sound that embodies within it synergy and cohesiveness. You can see this in our name, our tagline, and our visual identity.

How is community integrated into Echo Studios? 

Echo is a platform for fostering meaningful, lasting emotional and creative connections and shared experiences. Community is our core value and it drives the culture we create within the space. 

We facilitate communication and active participation amongst our diverse community through collaborative sessions, shared projects, and a unified purpose. All voices and ideas are heard and respected. It’s important to us that we work together, whilst simultaneously celebrating the uniqueness of each of our artists.

What are the most powerful ways to unlock, nurture and enhance creativity? 

Curiosity is one of our core values and an amazing way to unlock creativity. As the natural desire to understand, question and explore the world around us, curiosity drives discovery and innovation. It is a crucial spark to our study and search for meaning as creatives.

We also provide a supportive environment with the necessary infrastructure and resources to enhance creativity, from events to collaborative sessions. Our regular collaborative ‘work share’ sessions, for example, nurture and enhance creativity amongst our community. They offer a safe space to listen, encourage, provide feedback, and contribute ideas to expand one another’s creative visions.

How does the physical design of the studio work? How does it enhance the vision of Echo Studios?

The physical design takes a minimalist approach, avoiding a hyperspecific style that could be offputting for individual inspiration. I wanted the design to largely be a blank canvas for artists - relatable to all creators that pass through our doors - alongside curated, thought-provoking features. This includes repurposed furniture, hand-made props, local artists’ work displayed around the studio, blank spaces for artists to add their personal touch etc. With the design pieces, we focused on repurposing and upcycling, avoiding anything brand new for the space. I believe that the best creations usually come from working and innovating with what you have and what you find. Overall, it’s a non-conformative, non-commercial interior that expands the notion of a creative workspace.

As a space and philosophy, how has Echo developed this year?

Echo has developed into a multi-dimensional, multi-faceted environment thanks to its current artists. We now host and foster creatives that span across all creative industries - art, design, music, film, fashion, production, editorial, photography, and tech. 

Echo has reached beyond its physical walls to encompass a growing community, becoming a digital as well as physical platform. We’ve forged new connections across the globe, while continuing to support our previous Echo residents, regardless of whether they reside in the studio. As such, we’ve evolved into an established metaphysical space, cemented by the launch of our communications platform Radar which highlights the array of talent we proudly host and work with.

What is Lisbon like as a creative place to live and work? Where does Echo Studios fit in the creative landscape of the city? 

Lisbon is one of the most creatively free and inspiring cities I’ve ever travelled to, with its endless inspiration across architecture, colour palette, art, and culture. It’s a city of the past, taking you back in time with its traditional design, materials, and craftsmanship. At Echo, we really endeavour to celebrate and integrate the local Portuguese culture into our space and philosophy. We are lucky that our studio resides in an incredibly historic and meaningful building, well known to locals.