Javier Mariscal: the designer who lives, creates and designs without rules
The artist has made their home an emotional laboratory where colour, intuition and freedom set the rhythm
From his studio in the Poblenou neighbourhood of Barcelona, Javier Mariscal transforms everyday objects into travelling companions, mixes colours with memory and invites us to look at life with humour, emotion and without prejudice. In this interview for the Real People podcast of Monapart, opens the door to her world without filters.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
I am Javier Mariscal and in 2050 I'll be 100 years old. For as long as I can remember, I've loved drawing. I was born into a family of 11 siblings where everyone read and fought over Salgari's books. But I didn't learn to read until I was 30. So I thought: if I don't read, I draw. I drew all the time, it was my way of being in the world. My vocation was born from that, from that need to tell stories without words. And ever since, I haven't stopped. I get paid to have fun, to do what I like most. Can you ask for anything more?
What do you find most satisfying about your work?
What I like most is for someone to see a drawing of mine, laugh, and want to have it in their home. For them to say: “I love it!”. And take it away. For my doodles, my birds, my weird things, to spark joy. That moves me.
«I've done a lot of things, from the Cobi for the »92 Olympic Games, to furniture, films, album covers... but the best thing is still when something I draw manages to move someone.
What is your creative process like, what are your sources of inspiration, any particular music while working?
My process is chaotic, intuitive, free. I’m inspired by a thousand things: the morning breeze, the full moon behind the mountain, a streetlamp, an old packet of cigarettes called Chitán.
Music inspires me too. While I work, I usually put on records by Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jimi Hendrix, or even Beethoven's Fifth. They're like friends keeping me company from beyond.
There are days I start without knowing what will come out. And that's the beauty of it: not having a fixed plan, but letting something emerge.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
What is your favourite corner, your go-to decorative object or piece of furniture, do you treasure any collection in your home?
My favourite corner might be a rug, a ceramic vase, the cutlery... every object has a life of its own. I don't have a large collection, but I'm an object designer, so everything that surrounds me is something I've thought or rethought.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
The truth is I wouldn't buy anything. I find shopping really difficult. We have everything.
A great plan at home always includes...
A good salad, a good soup, someone to give you a little kiss, a chat, music and a while to look out the window. Life at home has to feel good.
Do you have a signature dish?
Soup in winter. Horchata in summer. Brilliant plan!
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
Barcelona has magical corners, especially if you can walk around it early or by bike. I love my studio, it's in Poblenou. Abroad... anywhere the moon rises between mountains and surprises you in the morning.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
All colours are pretty. The important thing is how you look at them. And that art, in the end, is nothing more than a way of living. I draw to exist. And if I can make someone smile with a chair, a drawing or a comic, that's it. That's home.
