Q & A with Brenda Nieves from "View Life"

January 24, 2023

Earls Court Gallery is excited to launch its 2023 exhibition calendar with “VIEW LIFE” featuring Mimmo Baronello (Toronto), Brenda Nieves (Toronto), and Diana Rosa (Toronto). As a way to get to know the artists beyond their biography write ups, here is a Q & A that gives insight into the artist’s process, technique and what inspires them.

BRENDA NIEVES

Reference Photo for sculptures of Artist

At what point in your life did you realize that you wanted to pursue the arts professionally?

As a child, but with a mother who was an artist, my parents were concerned about the life of an artist and encouraged me to apply my interest. I trained and became a fashion designer, then a fashion director for children and teens for T. Eaton Co. I came to clay more recently with time spent at Sheridan craft and Design.

What must you do to get your ready to begin in the studio? Or how do you get past the “blank page”?

Often I work toward a theme, either from a curators direction or a show I might do with friends.

Process photos for creating Medusa

What gets your creative juices flowing?

I procrastinate until I sit down and throw some pieces of clay. This seems to open my creative energies and then, I can’t wait to get started.

How do you determine the size of your work?

I do a rough drawing, take pictures of friends, family or myself in the position I am imagining. I start building, my comfort size is around 15”. My mind images it that size.

"Medusa” Highfire Stoneware, cold Glaze, and Glaze 14” x 18” x 8”

Square vs. Rectangle. What’s your preference any why?

Always rectangle, square seems squat, though I am often asked for square format then need to get my mind comfortable with this.

Sculpting tools

There is a lot of you put in these artworks. How do you practice gratitude for what you get to do?

I love to teach clay skills and give as much as I can. I love working in clay and love to be around people who are learning the skill. Seeing them improve and enjoy is very gratifying.

Do you have any phrases or words written in your studio? What are they and why are they there?

If I am working toward a themed show, I will live with the idea where I see it everyday; like in my office, then move it to my workspace when I’m ready. I also did a word puzzle a month ago where you spot words and the 1st 4 I saw were Connection, breakthrough, love and change, so I’m living with them right now. I think inspirational words need to change, evolve, be explored and digested.