Art and life without additives: Interview with Eva González
Her aim, like that of every good artist: to leave no one indifferent in front of her work. Where does she find inspiration? Discover her work and learn more about Eva.
The sensitivity of Eva González naturally and directly orients her towards everything good in life, such as a good trip, a good meal or a good conversation. And after 20 years dedicated to the business world, she found the path to fulfilment: portraits and the pictorial art that she has been cultivating with such dedication, following in the footsteps of her mother, the watercolourist Amparo Morán.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
Creativity has been with me since I was a child and I always liked to explore further. When I was 9 years old my first nephew was born and I was so happy that I made him a pencil portrait. I think that was the first realistic one. My mother painted watercolours in a studio and many winter days she painted at home. The truth is that I have always felt art as a part of me, very, very intimate, totally linked to my essence.
What do you find most satisfying about your work, and is there anything you are particularly proud of?
I love that the fruit of my work is a part of me, my thoughts and my emotions. I have worked for over 20 years in the corporate world and it has nothing to do with me. I loved my job but this is the most authentic version of myself.
As a portrait painter, you must get a lot of commissions - do you enjoy this kind of work?
I love the stories behind the commissions because there is always a lot of love behind them. Giving a portrait as a gift is a beautiful way of telling that person how important they are to you, the value they have as an individual and the beauty they breathe. The complicity throughout the process is magical and emotions are always unleashed at the moment of delivery. It is wonderful to be part of something like this.
What is your creative process like, what are your sources of inspiration, any particular music while working?
I love working with quiet jazz because watercolour needs calm. And what has always moved me are emotions, the story behind an image. I am passionate about humanity, the feelings we all have and share, empathising with other souls through painting. That's why I always try to make sure that whatever I paint moves me inside and that's what I hope will happen to whoever sees my work. I think the worst thing that can happen to an artist is to leave them indifferent.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
Orange.
The confines, by Andrés Trapiello.
The protective sky.
Paul Weller, by Paul Weller.
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... And if you have a pet, introduce it to us!
Well, my house is quite functional. I actually work in it! It has very open spaces and the closed ones have large sliding doors. For me light has always been a priority, afternoon sun to add hours to the days, natural materials, wood in abundance. I am not a decorator. Just photos, plants and a few souvenirs from my travels. At home there is a piano (music has always been vital in my life) and two border collies, Tara, two years old and Greta, four months old, although until she grows up we won't know her breed for sure because she doesn't have a tail and we are intrigued. I am a family lover, so my favourite corner is where we can be together and share films or series, and a small terrace where my husband and I chat in the evening.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
A magic cupboard where all the paintings I have piled up in the living room could fit.
A great plan at home always includes...
Any family board game, or movie with pizza!
Do you have a signature dish?
Lasagne with homemade everything is to die for. Healthy food for sure.
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
Although I'm from Zaragoza, I've lived in Madrid for more than half my life. I love the exhibition hall of the Canal Isabel II depot and I could visit the Sorolla Museum every day without getting tired of it. In Zaragoza I love getting lost in the old town and visiting places that for me have an enormous emotional charge. I have always liked to travel, the less civilised the better. In 1999 I was in Vietnam, when tourism had not yet arrived, and I remember travelling along the Perfume River in Hué, in a boat with a local who made us a meal that tasted like five Michelin stars, where we went around the temples and mausoleums on the banks, with bikes that were left for us at the hotel. Incredible places in the middle of the vegetation, totally alone in the middle of the magic. I don't think you can live an experience like that again today.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
That I reinvented myself after many years living in the corporate world. I am austere, sporty, a believer, family oriented and I believe that, if love ran our lives, the world would turn differently.
