Interview with the Artist – Sculptor Marta Moreu

I had the pleasure of sitting down recently with Spanish sculptor Marta Moreu as she was headed out the door for a summer in Barcelona and then on to Mexico for a year. Ms. Moreu has been in Miami for the past couple of years, which is where I became aware of her work. She attended the University of Fine Arts in Barcelona and has lived and worked throughout the United States and various other points in the world. I find her work very compelling.

To see more of Ms. Moreu’s work, please visit her website.

At what age or point in your life did you realize you needed to create?
From the time I was a young girl really, probably 8 or 9 years old. I realized I had a lot of ease and facility in artistic pursuits. I liked working with clay and molding. I felt like I had attention deficit in most subjects, but not in art. I could see other children struggle with art, but not me. Later, I knew I wanted to be a sculptor and eventually enrolled in fine arts school. I received a degree in Fine Arts and taught until venturing on my own full time.

What mediums do you use and why?
I started with clay, stone and wood – I’ve used it all. Some materials are more economical than others. But bronze gave me more possibilities, especially with elongated figures. I like the texture of bronze. What I do now is mold, I don’t carve anymore.

How would you describe your style?
It’s a figurative style with classical roots. It is very influenced by my upbringing around classical sculpture, Roman and Greek, and Egyptian art. I went to Paris to study and was intrigued by the works of Rodin, and of course Giacometti. Once I saw these two, I knew. They spoke to me. By 18, I had the Rodin museum memorized. At the Fine Arts Academy I tried every style, but I realized I am figurative. I can’t do abstract. It’s not what inspires me. Art should be a sincere expression. I make things for myself – not for galleries, or to sell.

Who were your influences early in your career?
Rodin, Giacometti, Expressionism. Everything I studied in school really influenced me – French sculpture, all of my travels, India, the Mayan ruins. You pick up something from everywhere. My influences are universal. They come from all over. The natural elements in Miami have been a large influence on me lately – the earth, the water, the air. I feel closer to nature in Miami than in other areas I have lived in.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from another artist recently?
I met someone in Miami, Patricia Gutierrez – she’s very passionate. She hasn’t been an artist all that long, but she has such passion for her work, and it inspires me. You need to have a daily renewal. It’s sad when people get bored with their work. Many artists here in Miami are very youthful in spirit. It’s inspirational. They are very dedicated.

What do you hate?
Individualism and egotism. Never believe that you have the truth – the day you think you’re great, you stop creating. I’m searching and constantly evolving – I hope this shows through my work.

What advice would you give aspiring artists?
Total dedication to what you’re doing is required. Of course you have to survive, but when I was younger, I taught more because I didn’t have enough confidence in my work. I wish I would have dedicated myself earlier. Never stay static – continue to search and progress. Don’t be afraid to fail.

Note: this interview was translated from Spanish, condensed and edited.

Tags: Artist Series, Marta Moreau, Miami, Sculpture