Lina Puerta
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Dear Lina,
are you an artist by choice, by chance, or a combination of sorts, chasing your fate?
I would say 100% choice. Although, fate or chance factor in especially in the sense that there is a strong feeling of urgency to make art.
What is your artwork inspired by?
It is inspired by the relationship between nature and the body and/or dwelling.
Do you start with an idea or do you let your materials guide the way to a complete work?
I often start with a general idea in my head. As I get working, it’s the materials that guide me through the process, transforming the initial idea. Other times, I have a specific idea, but details are decided as the work progresses.
When is the best time to start a new piece or a series of works? Do you plan everything in detail or is the process that leads the way?
Sometimes a new Series evolves when I introduce new material or when I start with one idea that might be a bit different. When I start one work, I then tend to make a variation of the first. While I am working on that piece I may get an idea for another piece and so I start working on another. I have about three works or more in process, all at the same time.
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How would you describe your journey so far? Do you have a vision of the road ahead or is that always a tough call for artists?
It has been a great journey. I would not change it for anything. I am doing what I love to do and this alone is a great gift and privilege. The road ahead for me, even though I am an optimist, is uncertain. You may receive many accolades today and tomorrow nobody will remember you. But again I see the glass as half full. I just try to stay grounded.
What’s the best thing of making art in NYC? What’s the hard part of reality that you and all other artists face on a daily basis?
NYC has a diverse and sophisticated audience. It has a network of non-profit organizations that support emerging artists in a democratic way. This is all so important.
But the other side of the coin is about the hard reality of finding affordable working and living space. As soon as artists move into city areas with reasonable rents, a transformation takes place. These areas become attractive. They get noticed more. Prices go up rapidly. Eventually artists are pushed out of their neighborhoods.
Who are some of your closest collaborators and supporters?
My Husband Alexis Duque who is also an artist. He is my greatest supporter.
What are some main thoughts you share with your viewers?
The relationship between the urban structure (body) and nature. I am interested in the tension between both. We are constantly trying to control nature. While nature fights back. It is always present, breaking down, reclaiming space, seeping through any small crack, bringing life as well as death in a beautiful ongoing cycle.
My solo work from last February got this review in Hyperallergic so why not share it with you. Mostly, I prefer when each viewer looks at a work and lets it speak.
It has been a great journey. I would not change it for anything. I am doing what I love to do and this alone is a great gift and privilege. The road ahead for me, even though I am an optimist, is uncertain. You may receive many accolades today and tomorrow nobody will remember you. But again I see the glass as half full. I just try to stay grounded.
What’s the best thing of making art in NYC? What’s the hard part of reality that you and all other artists face on a daily basis?
NYC has a diverse and sophisticated audience. It has a network of non-profit organizations that support emerging artists in a democratic way. This is all so important.
But the other side of the coin is about the hard reality of finding affordable working and living space. As soon as artists move into city areas with reasonable rents, a transformation takes place. These areas become attractive. They get noticed more. Prices go up rapidly. Eventually artists are pushed out of their neighborhoods.
Who are some of your closest collaborators and supporters?
My Husband Alexis Duque who is also an artist. He is my greatest supporter.
What are some main thoughts you share with your viewers?
The relationship between the urban structure (body) and nature. I am interested in the tension between both. We are constantly trying to control nature. While nature fights back. It is always present, breaking down, reclaiming space, seeping through any small crack, bringing life as well as death in a beautiful ongoing cycle.
My solo work from last February got this review in Hyperallergic so why not share it with you. Mostly, I prefer when each viewer looks at a work and lets it speak.
