Still life poetry by Marina Garcia

Welcome to Postery! Tell us about yourself and how you got started with art.

Thank you! Growing up, I was constantly drawing. My father owned a printing company, and he used to test the machines using paper, which resulted in tons of it coming my way. Having that much paper at my disposal really contributed to my love for drawing and helped kickstart my journey in art.

What are your main sources of inspiration?

I believe that my greatest source of inspiration might be the earth, with its beauty, abundance, and generosity. This is a broad concept, and I often find these aspects in small everyday things, such as a piece of fruit, a good meal, or the way light reflects on objects.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

I admire so many artists that I can't choose just one. I'm not a fan of the hero figure.

Did you follow a specific theme?

In my latest collection, I have worked on several simple still lifes and elements mainly related to gastronomy and the sea.

What motivates you to create?

I'm motivated to create by the joy I experience when I'm alone in my studio with my papers and inks. It's a time I deeply enjoy. Drawing connects me with myself and also captures me in the present moment.

What does art mean to you?

From a very early age, I got excited about art. My family understood it right away and nurtured that interest, allowing me to dedicate myself to this world. So, for me, it means leisure and work at the same time. I greatly enjoy visiting museums and exhibitions while earning a living through graphic design and art.

What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?

A challenge for me is having someone enjoy what I do; if it helps create a positive feeling, I've succeeded.

How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist?

I enjoy maintaining a certain structure both during work hours and leisure time to ensure they are quality hours. It works pretty well for me to focus on my daily goals early in the morning. While having a cup of coffee, I often ask myself, what is important? What do you want to accomplish today?

Describe how art is essential to society.

It's this incredible tool for people and communities to express their culture, traditions, and values. It's like this reflection of the whole human experience, showing how diverse and rich our lives are.

And then there's the communication part. Art becomes this universal language that goes beyond words. It's wild how it can convey emotions, ideas, and messages in a way that just words can't match. It hits you deep and connects people on a whole other level.

Plus, art is a mirror reflecting what's going on in our society. Artists are like these cultural commentators.

Where do you live/reside? / Does your residential place have an impact on your art?

I live in the Basque Country, where nature is abundant, and gastronomy plays a significant role. Here, everything is decided and discussed around a table; it's a cultural thing deeply ingrained in our DNA. So, I do believe that my place of residence has an influence on my art.

When is your favourite time of day to create?

My preferred time for creating art is in the mid-morning hours. This is after I've had my breakfast and taken a refreshing walk with my dog. That's when I find myself most inspired and ready to dive into my creative process.

How do you see your prints in an interior setting?

I see that my paintings can play a role in lightening the mood, adding a touch of colour, friendliness, and just an easygoing vibe to the area.

What do you like doing when you are not creating?

When I'm not immersed in my creative work, I enjoy simple pleasures like walking my dog and exploring the beauty of nature, whether in the mountains or by the sea. I also like trying out new restaurants and, most importantly, spending quality time with my family.

What will we never find in your home?

In our home, we are deeply committed to caring for the planet, so we make a conscious effort to minimize our consumption, especially of non-essential things potentially harmful to the environment.

What is your current obsession and why?

My current obsession is doing things to the best of my ability, especially when it comes to what I love the most, which is my family and the world we live in. Often, it helps me to think about the fleeting nature of life as a tool for improvement and to appreciate what I have in every moment.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I've always had a special connection with animals; they are one of the things I love most. My parents always tell me I've had a strong bond with them since childhood.

Do you have any future projects you would like to share with us?

I always have something in mind, something to draw, some ceramics project... There are many things on my mind; then, we'll see what materializes and what doesn't, what works and what doesn't.

Thank you Marina!