Paula Menchen | Spain
Investigating the intersection between drawing, printmaking and painting. I passionately uncover a synonomous language between my practices. My art offers itself to the viewer as an extremely evocative and suggestive layered work. Taking apart and reconstructing imagery has become part of my research and process.
My artwork represents a creative journey. I use painting as a means of experimentation, playing with the idea of landscapes and seascapes. as inspiration I look to these vast spaces as a starting point. I am not looking for a formula to reproduce instead a constant curiosity fueled by the process of learning.
Sanding, cutting, burning, smoothing and grinding surfaces that become impressions, footprints and traces. I am looking for a dialogue between opposites, the complimentary. Analyzing a material front and back, perforated surfaces that become impressions of the past, present and future.
Electric Fences
Contemporary Art Station: Tell us about how you got started. When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I don´t think you decide to become an artist. Art chooses you through the love of creation. Creativity and The Arts pushes ideas and humans forward. Unlocking creative potential to think and dream. It is are job as an artist to understand the potential and share these ideas.
CAS: What is your process like, from initial idea to the creation of the piece? Do you usually develop the idea for a project before you find the "canvas", or vice versa?
The creative process is wild, free and alive. It has it´s own energy and excitement and is never the same. Sometimes I begin with an idea and plan only to find hours have passed and I feel like it was only minutes. You tend to loose yourself and go deep within your soul.
CAS: What do you love most about your creative process?
Discovering new ideas and methodologies.
Pressed Magnolia Pedals
CAS: What role does art and the artist play in the broader social conversation today?
I think as an artist it is our job to inspire and begin philosophical conversations into identity and culture. Art enters your soul through experience and gives people a shared expression of being inspired. It breaths meaning onto life.
CAS: Name a few of your favourite artists and influences.
My favorite artist who have inspired me are, Gordon Matta-Clark, Mark Rothko, Eileen Agar, Yayoi Kasuma, Bruce Nauman, Dan Graham and so many more.......
CAS: What is the best advice you received as an artist?
Be prolific!
CAS: When did you discover your voice as an artist?
I discovered my voice very young, being inherently stubborn I wanted to do things my own way. I could see things uniquely that not everyone could see or agree on. I felt the need to make notes, drawings and marks and express myself.
CAS: What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to find their own?
Pay attention and listen to the things that speak to you and inspire you to create uniquely you! Then don´t forget to share these ideas and thoughts with the world ;)
Woodlands
