Impars Project
Coordinator: Núria Garí
Interview
Text: Helena Morera i Delgado
Photos: Pilarín Bayés
On your website, you say that you “were born with a vocation inside”, which you discovered very early: drawing. When did you realise you wanted to make it your life’s work?
As a child, I would spend the whole day drawing, but it was when I had to choose a profession that I was absolutely certain: I wanted to draw. That is why I ended up studying Fine Arts.
Could you paint a picture of that little girl, pencil poised, observing the world and turning it into colours and lines?
Because of an illness, I did not go to school until I was five, so I was a rather wild child. When I was not drawing, I was climbing trees in the garden, like a little monkey.
How would you define your style? What values do you always try to convey through drawing and illustration?
My style is a simplification of reality to tell a story. I often draw inspiration from writers, paintings, or murals. I always try to convey values of living well together and joy – the pleasure of doing what you love.
Speaking of those values you express in your style, you describe yourself as a woman with a “deep, open and supportive” faith. How do you integrate that spirituality with creativity to create religious scenes that respect tradition while maintaining your personal style?
I make no special effort to convey spirituality or creativity, because they are within me and always emerge naturally. Artistic thought is, after all, a reflection of your inner world.
How did you feel about the commission from UIC Barcelona and Impars to design the Christmas card?
It is the first time I had created a Christmas card for a university. I was thrilled. I didn’t see it as just another job, but as a way to connect with the UIC Barcelona community.
Once that initial excitement had passed, how did you approach the illustration for Profes i alumnes aplicats també van a Betlem (Dedicated lecturers and students also go to Bethlehem)? What was the main idea you wanted to bring to life?
I have worked on many nativity scenes, but in this case, I wanted to show how people at the university might experience Christmas, even imagining how they would portray the shepherds.
What elements do you think are key for a depiction of the birth of Jesus to capture the human and caring essence of Christmas?
I like to show a very human Virgin Mary: a young woman with her first child in difficult circumstances, because they have not found a place at the inn. And also, the sense of solidarity among the shepherds and the Magi, each with their own simplicity and wisdom.
Your characters often have very distinctive features, such as hats or individual facial features. How did you adapt these elements to the nativity scene?
In this depiction, which has a touch of the traditional shepherds, many people are wearing hats or have their heads covered with tunics. I enjoyed recreating this atmosphere – part real, part theatrical.
At 84, you still draw “until sleep gets the better of you”. What keeps you inspired after so many years of work and creativity?
Honestly, I have a great time drawing and I find it fun. I also like trying to capture people’s wishes when they ask me for a piece.
With this passion that still inspires you, what would you say to the next generation of artists?
First of all, work hard and don’t be afraid of effort. Never tire of rethinking what you do and observe closely what others are doing, not to copy them, but to figure out what you want, or don’t want, to do.
If you had to describe yourself as an artist in five words, which would you pick?
Articulate, detail-oriented, with a touch of humour, hard-working and – honestly, I am not sure about the fifth… but I like to look closely to try and understand everything.
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