FABIOLA PEREZ
"My art is an attempt to capture the liveliness of nature itself under the beauty of color that sunlight provides."
Hello Fabiola! How are you doing these days? What creative projects are you currently on?
Hi! Now I am not working on any specific technique but I am preparing the techniques that I have to teach this year in different courses and classes both in Madrid and abroad. When I have some time I work on some sketches with new ideas for future techniques.
And we are glad to have you on board as well! As a teacher at Polymer Week 2023, what can students expect to learn from you?
Attendees will learn especially to work with colors, and to mix and create their own palette. As well as how to combine them to obtain different designs from which to extract unique pieces from polymer clay.
Awesome! Do you recall the very first time you touched polymer clay? How has your artistic journey evolved since then?
I started with polymer clay in 2009. I went to an art materials store where they gave a polymer clay course and it caught my attention. I attended some courses but ended up quitting because it was difficult for me to communicate. I decided to buy books and magazines on my own and practice tutorials on the internet. Little by little I gained more experience and started to learn in a self-taught way. Over the years I developed my own ideas and style until today.
What inspires you to use such vivid colors and organic designs in your artwork?
My inspiration is based mainly on bright colors that make up the environment that surrounds me. Spain is a country with a lot of sunshine where the light enhances the colors of everything around me. Also, being deaf my sense of sight is much more sensitive, so I place special emphasis on the tones and shades of colors and the combination they offer to the eye. I always look for perfection in colors.
Have you faced any unique challenges as a deaf artist, and would you be willing to share your experiences with us?
Especially at the beginning, it was more difficult. But once I gained experience it became easier. Perhaps at the beginning, especially with the classes in my studio in Madrid, it was a challenge to teach my techniques to listeners. But with my effort and that of my students, we soon got used to communicating. I am completely autonomous, I don't need a translator. Obviously, when I travel to a foreign country, I need someone to translate for me, but just like any normal person.
How do you manage the balance between your creative endeavors and the business side of being a professional artist?
My preference is teaching. Although I also sell pieces when I attend a course, as a general rule my economic activity is centered almost entirely on offering classes and courses on different techniques.
Can you share a particularly memorable experience you have had teaching polymer clay to students around the world?
It is very difficult for me to choose just one moment. The truth is that I feel very fortunate and grateful for all the experiences I have had in the countries I have traveled to teach. I have always been treated with great affection and respect. And that is something that I value deeply and that I will never forget.
What advice do you have for emerging artists who work with polymer clay?
My advice is to work on your own style. Do not imitate or reproduce what already exists, but try to create something new and contribute to society with your own voice.
