From my studio: Marta Rourich

This week in the "From my studio" section we interview the artist Marta Rourich.

1. When and why did you start painting?

I'm a graphic designer by trade and although I've spent most of my life in design, drawing and painting have always been part of me. While I was studying graphic design I was lucky enough to be a student of Rafols Casamada. A lot of my work has been illustrated by me. Little by little I've been leaving graphic design behind and over the last 10 years I've been changing, turning my hobby into my profession, making the most of what design and painting have in common and training myself in what they don't. Right now I only paint. I've been exhibiting for 8 years.

2. What time of day do you prefer for painting? How much time do you give to painting?

Daylight. I put in many, many hours, 8, 10, 12, but I could spend even longer painting because painting really does fill me with good feelings.

3. Of all the paintings you've done, which is your favourite? Why?

I've painted a lot of them, and none is a favourite. Maybe it's easier for me to say which one I like least, although I often erase, throw away, repaint... I don't like everything I do.

4. There have been great artists in the history of art, who would you have liked to be?

Rubens for the sensuality, Jan Van Eyck for his precision and meticulousness, Dalí for his immense imagination, Morandi for the simplicity... and many more.

5. What is or are your sources of inspiration?

Nature, a lot, I think, and also the everyday things around me. I feel I've learned to look further, the colours, the images, the little things all come rushing at me. I live framing shots in my head.

6. Of all the artistic movements, which one has the most influence on your artwork?

I don't know, my work is basically figurative but I'm so eager to learn, try things, experiment, that I don't even have a very defined style. I paint with a palette knife as much as with a brush, with traditional oils, with oil sticks or with inks, on canvas, paper or corrugated cardboard that I recycle.

7. What does art mean to you? What part does it play in your life?

A form of expression that transmits emotions. It's my greatest source of wellbeing. My emotional life insurance. The best thing that could have happened to me at this stage of my life. For me painting is an exercise in freedom. I paint because I like it, because I feel very good, because I give myself to it with no conditions.

See Marta Rourich's artworks here