During March 2012, Artwork Network will be exhibiting some beautiful abstracts by South-American artist Juan Esteban Usubillaga.  He refers to this series as “mind calming”.  We asked him a few questions about his process, influences, and what we should impart from his paintings.

Artist Juan Esteban Usubillaga

Why do you work with acrylics?

Juan Esteban Usubillaga:   I work with acrylics because they are water-based, and as a kid most of the painting that I did was with watercolor.  It taught me a lot about the nature of the colors, transparencies and the use of light.

Does anything else from your childhood come up in your work?

JEU:  Light and colors of the rainforest.  My cultural and geographical background always comes to influence my work.

How did you get started in the Arts?

JEU:  I entered an Art school at age 12 and kept this path until I was 25 years old.  I realized very early in life how much I suck at the Arts, and only a lot of hard work made me improve and find personal language. I knew that everything I produced was not as good as the Art I admired, but that planted a seed of urgency to find quality in a personal path.

Do you think it is important for artists to know about art history?

JEU:  It is vital!  As an artist I know there is a limited time for art production (a lifespan), and even after the artist reach a personal language, we can still learn from past or current artists, from their passions and fears, their masteries, being open and curious to other artists, keeps us open and eventually makes us understand our work more deeply, and probably show our personal paths more clearly, and see what else is out there for us.

"Mist" by Juan Esteban Usubillaga

Speaking of past and current artists – are you more attracted to work that is not like your own, or work that has similarities to yours?

JEU:  I find I am attracted to any kind of Art that feels sincere to me.

Do you have a favorite piece of artwork?

JEU:  Too many to be so exclusive!  But I really the works of Baskiat, Szyszlo, de kooning, and Jacanamijoy.

Has anyone ever given you a real gem of advice?

JEU:  The best advice has come not from painters but musicians and athletes – “Do not rush into the future.  It creates anxiety.  Keep your attention on the now.”

What is your favorite reaction someone has had to your work?

JEU:  An international artist and master said, “I wish I could do what you have done in this painting.”

That’s a great compliment!  What do you like about your work?

JEU:  It takes me to places I like to be.

"The Unseen" by Juan Esteban Usubillaga

Do you visualize your art before creating?

JEU:  No, and if I could I wouldn’t, I want to surprise myself.

Why do you make art? And whom do you make it for?

JEU:  Probably just to keep my insanity healthy.  At the beginning just did it for myself, but as soon I realized other people like it, my mind changed, and now I make art for anyone who likes it!

What other kinds of things do you like?

JEU:  I love music and poetry.  It twists my mind and soul in a positive way.

Your Artwork Network exhibit is coming up – I want to know, what question do you hate being asked about your art?

JEU:  What does that painting mean?

And lastly, is there anything you want people to walk away after seeing your work?

JEU:  With an strong emotion, a sense of connection with inner images or realms. I do not care about what kind emotion it is, but prefer when is real and personal.

Click here to see more artwork and info
about artist Juan Esteban Usubillaga.