Artist Interview - Belén Segarra

Goodmorning! How are you all on this Monday morning? Outside my studio window the smoke from the bushfire is dissipating and the church bells are ringing like crazy, which is unusual for a monday morning but really lovely to hear! 

Today I am really excited to share an interview with a wonderful artist from Spain, Belén Segarra. I first met  Belén on Facebook and have come to love and admire her beautiful, quirky and thoughtful work and so I really hope you will enjoy, as much as I have, this insight into her world. 

And so, welcome Belén!

Photo by Javier Gayet

Tell us a little about you, your artwork and your creative business?

My name is Belén. I was born in December but I hate being cold. I grew up in Vall d'Uixó and moved later to Valencia, where I got my Bachelor of Fine Arts. I got the CAP to be a teacher, although I finally decided to keep up the fight with what I really had to do. I kept on drawing.

I actually work as a freelance illustrator. I have exhibited my work in galleries, bookstores, coffee shops and many other kinds of places. I have worked for some commercial brands and have been published in various magazines. I am also part of the creative team Guateque Estudio Creativo and I am now working in the scenery of a play that will premiere in April.

When I have time I collect old photos and albums and make up stories with them about people I never knew. To buy buttons and notebooks makes me happy.

Can you describe a typical work day for you?

Alarm clock.

5 more minutes.

Orange juice + toasts/biscuits + internet.

Draw.

Draw. Draw. Draw.

Mails. Pending orders. Internet.

Draw.

Dancing barefoot in my room.

Draw.

In between I have lunch, dinner, beer with friends, I take Bobo for a walk, I play with my nephews, wash my clothes and all those things we all do.

Draw.

Read / TV series / Movie.

Sleeping.

What drives you creatively? Where do you find inspiration?

Music, films, art, window displays, fashion, dinosaurs, walk around the supermarket, Elvis, cacti, sunny days, people (old, young, rude, friendly, pretty, ugly), the lighting stores, old photos, the courtyard with laundry hanging that I see from the window in my room...

Everything, absolutely everything, is full of stimuli when you learn to recognise them.

What struggles do you face as an artist? How do you manage/overcome these?

I think sometimes our work as illustrators has not enough recognition. Many people think we do it as a hobby or something similar... (I don't really get it...) The fact that I chose the job I love and that I enjoy it does not mean I do not spend time and effort in it. I work and live it fully.

There comes a time when you have to learn to value yourself and to be able to say that "unfortunately", you can not work for free...

Of course you also find amazing people who value your efforts. It's great the amount of encouragement messages you receive from many people who don't even know you. It's very nice to be able to reach people in this way.

Apart from this, and in a much more personal level, I face every day my own fight to do better.

Every time there is an "I don't like this" and you learn to overcome that, it is a nice feeling. Knowing that somehow you never stop evolving. I think it's something that everyone feels, but the fact of feeling it with drawings is something that makes me more aware. It is there and you see it.

Other than art, what gives your life meaning? What makes you tick?

Life is wonderful if you want it to be so. It may sound corny but it's true.

I love going to see the greengrocer and have him ask me if I want prasley, see how trees change with the seasons and with people wearing trousers or shorts. I like the feeling that can provoke a book, a movie, a theater, an illustration, a photo... 

I get nervous most of the time before entering the theater, the cinema or an exhibition. It is superior to me, I must be very silly or very biased to be filled with so much that I even get a little dizzy.

I like the Paella on Sundays at my grandfather's and taking a siesta later.

Suddenly, in the smallest details, something comes up and you have to draw it.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

To draw. To believe in what you do. Never surrender. Going through tough times sometimes, knowing that your dream comes first. Draw more. Do not listen if someone tells you can't/shouldn't, and to repeat to yourself that you know you are able to do it. Draw nonstop.

Enjoy (much) how lucky you are to be happy drawing or doing whatever it is you do.

And finally, some one-word answers - what is your favourite:

Colour - Just one?

Animal - Dog, until I see a documentary about an animal and then it becomes that one.

Food - Pasta.

Drink - Water.

Season - Spring.

Movie - Many, but "La Antena" is special.

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If you'd like to get to know Belén a little more, you can find her at her website, on Facebook or on her sweet blog. 

After writing this up I am feeling very inspired for a big creative week of following my dreams and drawing, drawing, drawing! Hope you all have a beautiful, creative week ahead as well! Jen x