Photographing the power of nature: Interview with Carla Andrade
How does someone who constantly changes residence see home, and how is this itinerant life reflected in their work?
In our series of interviews with creative professionalsWe always like to ask about their home: what makes it a special place, if it reflects their way of being or if they have a particular collection. But until now we haven't interviewed someone with such a nomadic life as Carla. Read on to find out more about Carla's work. Carla Andradea photographer with Atlantic roots and a nomadic spirit.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation come from?
I have always had a certain spontaneous inclination for the abstract and for that which cannot be reached through cognitive abilities. On the one hand, the fact of having grown up face to face with the Atlantic Ocean has definitely determined my future artistic work, motivated by a fascination for undomesticated nature and its phenomenology. Thus, through landscape, understood as the construction through my gaze, I reflect on the experience of the incomprehensible through classical rational methods, with the purpose of rearticulating the aesthetic discourse historically legitimised from a patriarchal scheme.
Any first memories related to your work?
When my father was young he used to take a lot of photos, so in my family home there are hundreds of photographs from before I was born. I remember looking at these family albums over and over again as if they were windows that allowed me to enter other dimensions of the real. Also, as a child I was very naturally drawn to the few exhibitions I had the opportunity to go to, usually of painting, as I remember they presented themselves to me as spaces of reverie and freedom. However, I didn't start making my own images until relatively late, at the age of 23 or 24, when my father gave me an old Polaroid that I had forgotten about for Christmas.
What do you find most satisfying about your work?
What I find most satisfying is the fact that I can work on things I believe in. This gives meaning to my life, because if my work were a mere instrument of financial survival, I would feel like I was wasting my time, as if I were in prison. I value very much this kind of freedom that I can enjoy, because true freedom does not exist. Through my work I satisfy, to a certain extent, the need to have a real life.
The concept of home is very important to me. That's why I try to make every place I live special, even if it's only for a short time.
Any work you are particularly proud of?
The truth is that I don't have any job that I am particularly proud of and I don't think I ever will be, I am content to respect my own essence and be honest with what I do.
What is your creative process like? What are your sources of inspiration?
My way of working is very intuitive. These vital impulses are complemented by a subsequent slower and more analytical reflection which, of course, is completed with implicit external forces which are fundamental and which arise from the context in which I find myself at that moment, as well as from accumulated experience. It is life itself that gives me the keys to my work.
Any special music while working?
I don't have any methods or habits for working, it depends on the moment. But in general, when I work in the studio, I like silence or silent music. This can be experimental or atmospheric music because if I hear melodies or lyrics I get distracted listening to them, singing or dancing to them, I can't help it, and that's what I do all the rest of the time.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order!
It is totally impossible for me to make lists or absolute hierarchies.
As for colour. At most, I can say that I am attracted to colours that I consider soothing, I don't know what to call them. Perhaps, it could be white, blue, grey and yellow, but in their more pastel shades.
I am fascinated by the form-content of María Zambrano's writing, the universe of Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and in terms of music I enjoy dancing to Latin rhythms, but I have always listened mainly to alternative music and if I were to create my own music it would definitely be the creation of experimental sounds.
*This is my answer for today, tomorrow I would answer something else...
Is your home a reflection of who you are? Tell us what it smells like, your favourite corner, your favourite decorative object or piece of furniture, if you treasure a collection...
Yes, at the moment it is a reflection of me, because I don't have a fixed home. I've been living in different countries for many years, constantly changing my residence. I love the nomadic life and I want to keep it, travelling is part of me. Right now I'm in London in a temporary house. But in a month and a half I hope to move to what I hope will be my home in the short-medium term future and it will also be in London. It's been over 10 years since I've had a relatively stable home, and I'm looking forward to it!
Despite my chosen itinerant life, the concept of home is very important to me, so I try to make every place I live special, even if only for a short time. I have less and less need to accumulate material things, I like to feel light and I shy away from attachment. However, I do try to create spaces that I want to be in, that define me and are a refuge. My lifestyle hasn't allowed me to accumulate anything either, but I like to have plants. I believe that being, as much as possible, in contact with nature is what I value most. For this reason, the next house I move into in London will be either with a garden and at ground level, or on a boat on a canal.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
When I have a real house it will be easier for me to answer this question. But I would buy works by friends.
A great plan at home always includes...
Listen to music, dance and end up watching a film, all in good company.
Do you have a signature dish?
The truth is that I don't really like cooking, it doesn't relax me and I only cook if it's for others. But when I do I like to do it well, and I always try to innovate, so there is nothing in particular that stands out. I learned how to make different kinds of curries when I lived in Nepal and it is a recurring dish in my life. Lately, I've been making a risotto with prawns and mushrooms that is quite tasty. Although what I really like is Galician food, and that needs little elaboration in the kitchen...
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
I have as many favourite places as I have moods. I love cycling around London and discovering new parks. I recently discovered Ruskin Park next to my house and I think it's my new favourite place in London.
In any case, my favourite place in the world is Nigrán, my village. Especially, getting lost in a cove of difficult access in Monteferro.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
On the one hand, I would like to say that I believe that now more than ever we are aware that freedom is a precious commodity, almost impossible to attain... we indulge too much. On the other hand, I can't wait to go to Galicia.
