Monica Correia received a Bachelor of Architecture “Cum Laude” degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and a MFA degree from the University of Iowa. Using digital technologies, she designs objects, furniture and interiors inspired in forms found in nature and in her cultural heritage. The design process begins in the computer or in the sketch book, where she keeps collections of images. Afterwards, digital, virtual or real models are built or printed in different scales and media. In addition, colors are used as a way to emphasize objects’ provocative intention. She is particularly attracted to the challenge of transforming ideas into functional and aesthetically pleasing objects. Her design combines inspiration, technology and sustainable materials.
At the University of Iowa School of Art & Art History, Monica Correia is an Assistant Professor, coordinates the 3D Design program and teaches beginning and advanced 3D Design courses, including Introduction to Virtual Reality for 3D Design (VR), Computer Modeling for 3D Design and Computer Aided Design (CAD).
Recently, Monica Correia received the Arts and Humanities Initiative (AHI) Award from the University of Iowa Office of the Vice President for Research and in September 2008 she will exhibit her work at 100% Futures, the showcase of world emerging designers at the UK’s contemporary leading event 100% Design, at Earls Court, London. (http://www.100percentdesign.co.uk/page.cfm/Action=Exhib/ExhibID=01229/pageOption=ExhibLibraries_1/t=m#ExhibOption).
Monica Correia’s work has been presented at several juried exhibitions including the “Salão Design Casa Brasil 2007”, Bento Gonçalves, Brazil; “The Skin of Corian®”, Milan, Italy; “Conselho Regional de Engenharia e Arquitetura Salon II”, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, “Defining Vessels”, Chico Art Center, California; “Great Plains National Competition”, the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, Kansas; and “The Blanche Ames National Juried Art Competition”, Massachussets, among others. Also, her recent designs have been selected for “Abiplast Design 2007 Award”, São Paulo, Brazil; “Liceu de Design 2007 Award”, Salvador, Brazil; and “Thaw 2007”, International Design Competition, organized by the Industrial Designers of Edmonton Association (IDEA), Alberta, Canada.
Before moving to the United States, Monica Correia taught at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro School of Architecture, Brazil, and designed interiors for stores and shopping malls in Brazil and Portugal.