1. When was your passion for art born? How did your passion turn into your job?

For as long as I can remember, everything related to creativity has attracted my attention; the design, painting, drawing, fashion, etc. In the professional world of interior design, I practice a lot of drawing, sketching, and coloring. Until one day, I dared to offer a client to paint a picture in order to finish a work of interior design and get that space to have the soul we were looking for. It was from that moment that I started to paint commissions for clients, friends... Today I devote a large part of my working life to it and it is something that fascinates me.

2. One year ago you took the leap and created your own studio, Mariona Espinet. What encouraged you to do so? 

For many years, I have had the opportunity and the pleasure to work on many interior design projects in Barcelona, Madrid and Sydney and I even created my own studio with a partner for more than 7 years. It was a very enriching experience, but since more than a year ago, I felt the need to experiment and expand my creativity in other fields and in a more individual way. I started to create plastically, to feel inspired by painting and it has turned out to be a way to encounter myself. Working on creativity from the artistic process brings me much more when facing new challenges, starting new paintings and new projects. I can say that I feel that I have expanded my creativity, knowledge and pleasure.

3. You are an interior designer and an artist, how do you combine interior design and art?

In my opinion, art and interior design complement each other. Art is an extension of interior design, both aim to bring harmony, beauty and comfort to the person who lives in that place, and as a result, it improves their living quality.

4. Where did the idea of Color and Soul come from?

Color and Soul is a line of decorative paintings that aim to give soul to those empty spaces and corners. Color speaks to us and is the main protagonist of my works. It aims to have an emotional impact on the space and a conversation with those who inhabit it. The colors and how they relate to each other, generate a connection with the environment and with our inner life, the soul.

5. How would you define the style of your artwork? And the style of your interior design projects?

They are simple shapes, sectorised by blocks of color that, through the combination of them, seek to generate an experience/emotion through observation, looking for a harmonious and balanced result. I would define my work within geometric abstract art using the hard-edge technique. Abstraction, and especially minimalism, offer my imagination unlimited opportunities. I don't try to convey a message with my paintings, but emotion is what I am looking for, paintings in harmony with their environment, with the space.

In interior design, I would say it is similar. From my point of view, any creative field is the search for harmony in space through the combination of color, form, and textures to achieve a balance between the aesthetic, the functional and the intimate.

6. What are the main references and inspiration behind your work?

The best inspiration is often right in front of us, in our daily lives, it is a matter of always observing and listening to people. But you have to work at it and look for it.

I am very inspired by the contours of buildings, light, shadows and the appearance of colors. I am fascinated by the power of color to attract and connect with the viewer.

I like to follow the work of other painters, it is important for me to be constantly learning. I am also inspired by great color artists lik Albers, Rothko, Barragan, the minimalism of Ellsworth Kelly, Carmen Herrera, etc.

7. What's the most difficult thing about creating? Can you give some advice to a self-taught designer or artist?

Self doubt and self criticism are thoughts that can paralyse your creativity. And when we want to create for others, it becomes confusing and difficult. Creativity is something that comes from within, so it is important to believe in oneself. To create without fearing failure is what makes us progress. You have to fight for "the reason that makes you get up every morning and be happy”, to get out of your comfort zone and be honest with yourself and others. But above all, enjoy the process, life is a constant learning process.

8. What is your typical day as an artist and designer?

There is no typical day in my life, they are all very variable and that's what I like the most. Working on creativity through hands-on work and not being alone in front of the computer allows me to work according to my mood. When I paint with my favourite music in the background, I get into a meditative state of concentration and the hours fly by. There are other days when I have to focus on interior design projects and I enter a more formal, rational and delicate mood. I also teach a Master's degree in design at a university, which gives me the opportunity to grow and be constantly updated.

I usually vary my workplace, combining it between my house (recently finished and happy with the result), or in my small studio which is divided into 2 environments: the color area which is chaos and another more organized area where I usually project and brainstorm.

9. How do you see yourself in the future?

Painting has taught me not to expect a certain result, but to flow, enjoy the process, and trust something will come out.

I have always wanted to control everything, and many people would agree with me when I say that life has shown us that everything is unstable. So I don't know where I see myself, but I can say that I see myself as a versatile and free person, ready to receive opportunities, doing projects and taking on challenges to help others. But above all, I am enjoying the process of learning to observe and listen to the world slowly and consciously.