Interview with Clara de Bobes — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

I am a painter, biologist and professor. In that order. I have lived many lives in one. None perfect. I am lucky to be able to paint. Everything else is secondary. I continue and will continue painting.

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts? and your first experience in art making?

I do not remember a stage in my life before the use of pencils and colors as a means of expression. Maybe the physical (and olfactory!) experience of sleeping in my uncle's studio when I was going to visit him (he was a painter) had something to do with the illusion of becoming a painter one day. The contemplation of the great works of art made me feel emotion and envy in equal parts. And I wanted, too, to enjoy the pleasure of creating.

How would you describe yourself and your artwork?

I paint forever. From my first childhood memories. The reason is very simple: painting makes me happy. Is that enough? ... in a first approximation, we could say yes. Painting brightens the days and improves my life. But painting is also a form of expression and that requires an interlocutor. I wish that my works could reach people and that they somehow caused an emotion. The force of emotion with which I create my characters. Because curiosity is involved in my works, but also passion and compassion.

I like to think that in the process of creation I get to know the portrayed character intimately, whether it's a real person or an invention. Children of the spirit, my imaginary family ... And I want some of that secret knowledge to reach the viewer.

What is behind the skin of reality? A world that underlies the aesthetics of the visible: the lives, flares in time, of people who, like us, will have to go their way and disappear forever. Better and worse lives, of tortuous travel or of luminous route; many conditioned already from the beginning, others blessed by luck ... but always lonely and unique.

The mystery, the hidden smile, the severe look, the helplessness. What are they thinking What determined its existence? Do they feel, suffer?

The lives of others are also ours.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get the inspiration from life. Of real people, present and past. And also of the people I imagine and know so well ... Although I have never seen them! My imaginary family.

What emotions do you hope the viewers experience when looking at your art?

I hope they experience curiosity. I want them to see the life of that person, that they can get to know him through his imagination and mine. I want you to see what we never see, what is on the other side, the mystery, that other secret reality of the lives of others.

When do you know that an artwork is finished ?

It is difficult to explain. Sometimes I see it clearly and other times it is a slower process. But there is always a time when everything I want to express is already there.

What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?

My first individual exhibitions were very exciting and also the exhibition in New York and other major capitals.

Winning an international painting competition, which unknown people fall in love with one of my characters ... That is unsurpassed.

I hope to continue having very exciting moments!

How long does it take to produce one work?

It is very variable. Generally the process is fast and without interruptions and I immediately see the character through his eyes. Other times I leave the work in stand bay until one day, suddenly, I find the solution.