What made you decide to become an artist? What is your field of study ?
The joy and power that art has in transforming our lives and filling them with meaning. I started painting in 1997 in Spain, then I returned to Guatemala in 1998, but it was not until 2001 that I exhibited my works in local galleries, where they were not very well. welcomed early. I kept showing everything I was doing and at an unexpected moment a foreigner who lived in Guatemala and had a gallery, visited my studio. I showed him my work and he was very happy to see everything I had done. He told me that I had to exhibit as quickly as possible in his gallery and so began a stage in my career as an artist which marked my love and my passion for Art even more. The first exhibition was a great success, then the following ones. I continued to exhibit until around 2008, when I started doing murals, which I still do today.
What are the three things that make you different from other artists?
I know most of the techniques. My work is varied and I do not fall into a single ism. I paint to transform and convey a message, each work I do has a force.
Where does your inspiration come from?
From the desire to transform reality into something positive and to assert creativity as a spiritual power beyond the mass production of objects. From Guatemala, where I was born and where I grew up in multiple realities that enrich me, hurt me and astonish me.
Tell us about the conception of your works, do you have a long preparation work or is it rather spontaneous?
Some are made from many sketches and a previous work to get the grace and depth of the subject, the abstract works are made from the action and involve a lot of physical exercise as I don't sit in front an easel, I move around and I observe from many angles, they are totally spontaneous. In the case of the digital work, it is more reflective.
What do you want to show through your work?
This art is like a gift that transforms our lives and shows us the spiritual side that no media can match. Art is the creative link with the mystery, with what made us such as we are, that art is not useful; but very necessary for the existence of the human being because it is an activity of total abandonment by Love that the artist gives to the world.
Do you use unusual techniques or materials in your work?
If I think it is necessary, yes, but otherwise I think they are quite common.
Do you have a preferred format and why?
I like the exact square canvas, but if the subject or the technique demands it, I can adapt to different formats. Painting is a dialogue with materials in order to reach an agreement that results in a work that the mind approves.
What difficulties do you encounter in your work?
I often find it difficult to cope with the many desires to paint or to deal with a certain subject, my own criticism is a great difficulty because I demand a lot from myself.
How do you work? At home, in a shared studio, in your own studio?
I have my studio at home.
Does the work of an artist take you to travel a lot?
Yes, I am traveling doing murals in the interior of Guatemala, abroad I have not yet had the pleasure.
What was the best moment of your career?
The first exhibitions I did. And now that the pandemic has allowed me to be even sicker in my work, I now produce a lot more and with a lot of force.
How do you see your work in ten years?
In galleries and spaces in many parts of the world. And larger format works, murals and sculptures.
What are you currently working on? Are you planning an exhibition soon?
Yes, I do a series of works in different formats, mixing techniques and themes. I currently participate in art biennials in my country and carry out mural projects in different regions of Guatemala. I plan to do murals in the United States next year and exhibit a collection of 20 works.
If you could create a masterpiece in art history, which one would you choose?
Guernica.
If you could invite a famous artist to dinner (dead or alive), which one would you choose?
jasper johns
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
