This week in Artelista's "From my studio" section, we're joined by Mercè Pla and her interesting take on art. At 16 she discovered that this was what she had to do, and that art is her way of feeling and living. Don't miss this captivating interview.
1. When and why did you start painting?
There are three important stages before getting to where I am now. I started working with ceramics at 16. I soon realised that a few hours a week weren't enough for me. When I turned 29 I began my training, and from 35 onwards my life has been arranged so that I could devote myself to it completely. Even though I had a four-year break, I now know I'll never give it up.
2. What time of day do you prefer for working? How much time do you devote to sculpture?
I don't have a specific time, or rather, all hours are good. But at night, when silence takes over and time seems to stand still, maybe that's the best moment.
3. Of all the pictures you've painted, which is your favourite? Why?
There are many artworks I could give as an example. But if I have to choose one, I'd say "Tensió". Because it's a risky artwork, innovative, technically very difficult, beautiful. Complete.
4. There have been great artists in the history of art, who would you have liked to be?
I don't want to sound pedantic, but I like being myself. I think art has to come from the heart and shouldn't try to look like anyone else, but rather express what you have inside. I admire many artists, Gaudí is one of the ones I admire most.
5. What is or are your sources of inspiration?
The contact with the material itself, which connects me with the earth and the universe, helping me convey my feelings.
6. Of all the art movements, which one has the greatest influence on your artwork?
Looking at the path my work has taken, you can see the influence of the art of my land, of the Mediterranean. From the Greeks to Modernisme, the sea and my closest surroundings are the biggest influence.
7. What does art mean to you? What role does it play in your life?
Art is the extension of my feeling. Of my living. I started out as a craftswoman, looking for my own stamp. Through my work I've gradually found the path that has led me to search inside my sculptures. I needed to open up spaces in them, to get into their interior. I was troubled by the silence and the oblivion of those spaces closed off to people's eyes. Later I made the paths that lead to it. Right now I'm working on the interiors. Emotions locked up in the prisons we create for ourselves. So art is an inner search.
Mercè, thank you very much for the interview and for sending us the video.
Visit Mercè Pla's page
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