Q & A With Emerging Artists
JUAN DE LA RICA
Meet Juan De La Rica
Juan De La Rica (b. 1979, Bilbao) is a painter who tells intricate stories through the use of saturated colors, lines, and shapes. As described by Cohle Gallery, “Graduating as a Fine Arts graduate from the University of the Basque Country, de la Rica's creative prowess shines through his saturated colors and synthetic lines. In his exhibition titled "De Nada," Juan de la Rica astounded viewers with his versatile approach and willingness to experiment. Delving into the realm of drawings, he fearlessly explored techniques like gouache, ink, watercolor, and pastels. Within the limitations imposed by health regulations, de la Rica's smaller-format works unveiled a multitude of themes, ranging from still life and portraiture to mythological and religious scenes. Infused with irony, humor, and an open narrative, his thought-provoking paintings invite viewers to delve into their own interpretations.”
All images below belong to the artist. To see available works or to make an enquiry, please visit his website or Instagram.
Q: How did you first get started in your career as an artist? Did anyone or anything in particular inspire you? Were there any challenges you faced?
A: I come from a fairly traditional family, so at first they were against me studying Fine Arts. Today they are my biggest fans, so all good.
At the same time, my uncle is a painter, and obviously he had a great importance in my discovery of painting very early on. I am his biggest fan.
Q: Where do you look for inspiration? Could you tell me a little more about your artistic practice?
A: Anywhere. Perhaps where I turn most lately is Art History. From the Quattrocento to very young painters that I discover every day on Instagram. But any type of image is good to look for inspiration. I work from sketches. I make a lot of drawings before I start painting. When I have a clear idea and I get a sketch that I like, I transfer it to the canvas. Although I have a very defined drawing, when painting I tend to improvise a lot. Lately I have been working from small studies on canvas, which has helped me when facing the painting.
Q: What advice would you have for an artist who is just beginning their career?
A:Work hard and don't give up. In this career you must have a lot of tolerance for frustration and failure. I don't think they teach this in any school and it is almost more important than the work itself. Your work must be honest and sincere. The artist can deceive his audience, but not himself.
Q: In a similar manner, do you have any advice for young or first-time art collectors or buyers?
A: I believe that the most important thing when collecting or buying art is that you let yourself be guided by your instinct and your taste. Art is beauty, passion, madness. Seeing it as a simple investment is to take away all its value, in my humble opinion.
Q: What aspects of the art industry do you hope to see change or grow in the coming years?
A: I prefer not to have any expectations and accept reality as it is, because you can be disappointed.
Q: What have been some of the most rewarding experiences during your career as an artist?
A: The most gratifying thing is having managed to make a living from my work.
Q: If you could describe the feeling you hope to evoke through your works, what would you describe it as?
A: I hope people enjoy looking at my paintings. To have a good time, to generate interest, curiosity, intrigue, confusion... To make you wonder things. And may these be feelings that last over time.
