We were lucky to catch up with FELIX SEMPER recently and have shared our conversation below.

FELIX, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My Learning Journey: Unveiling Artistic Growth

Learning Approach:

My journey as an artist was hands-on from the start. I plunged into sculpting, exploring the tactile essence of my craft. Being self-taught, I relied on trial and error, shaping materials to match my imagination. This approach allowed me to intimately connect with my art, even if it meant embracing challenges.

Accelerating Learning:

Looking back, I see ways to have learned faster. Seeking advice from experienced artists would have provided valuable shortcuts. Engaging with artistic communities, attending workshops, and setting clear goals could have given me a clearer path forward.

Vital Skills:

Certain skills emerged as key to my growth. Curiosity fueled my experiments, while persistence kept me going during tough times. Adaptability was crucial when I faced new materials or techniques. Sharpening my observational skills helped me capture life’s details in my sculptures.

Overcoming Obstacles:

Learning solo had its challenges. Feedback was limited, sometimes leading to missed opportunities for growth. Balancing art with life’s demands wasn’t easy either. These hurdles forced me to find creative solutions and strengthen my self-confidence.

Creating from Determination:

Despite obstacles, I forged ahead, creating sculptures that showcased my determination. Each piece bore witness to countless hours, mistakes, and an unbreakable faith in art’s power. Overcoming challenges strengthened my belief in myself.

Reflecting, my unconventional journey taught me resilience and a unique perspective. Every step in my studio, each piece I shaped, contributed to who I am today. As I continue growing, I encourage fellow artists to stay curious, embrace challenges, and see setbacks as opportunities to rise.

FELIX, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

“Hello, readers! I’m Felix Semper, a contemporary artist redefining the boundaries of sculpture. From my early days in Havana, Cuba, where art infused every aspect of life, to my current journey in New York City, my artistic exploration has been an exhilarating adventure.

I stumbled into my distinctive approach to sculpture almost serendipitously. Fueled by a desire to push the limits of traditional art forms, I introduced the world to my ‘stretchable’ sculptures. These unique pieces are crafted through intricate layers of paper or cardboard, allowing viewers to reshape and interact with them. Through this technique, my art not only resonates visually but also engages on a tactile level, bridging the gap between artist and audience.

My creations delve into a myriad of themes—identity, pop culture, social commentary—each layer holding a piece of my personal narrative. Music, history, and my own experiences provide the foundation for my work, inviting viewers to ponder the complex interplay of life’s elements.

What sets my art apart is its dynamic nature. As viewers stretch and manipulate my sculptures, they become active participants in the creative process. It’s a dialogue between the art and its audience, a shared experience that transcends the traditional confines of artistic interaction.

One of my proudest achievements is the viral reception of my sculpture depicting the iconic Notorious B.I.G. The video of the sculpture being stretched and transformed took the internet by storm, sparking discussions about the ever-changing nature of art and the interactivity that fuels my work.

Through my workshops and demonstrations, I aim to ignite the same passion for creativity that fuels my own journey. Art, for me, isn’t confined to the studio; it’s a dynamic force that can inspire change and introspection. My mission is to not only create innovative art but also to empower others to explore their artistic potential.

I invite you to join me on this artistic odyssey. My stretchable sculptures are a testament to the malleability of creativity and the limitless possibilities it offers. As you engage with my art, I hope you’ll find yourself stretching the boundaries of your imagination too.”

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the sheer freedom of expression it offers. Through my ‘stretchable’ sculptures, I can take an idea, a thought, and mold it into something tangible and engaging. It’s the thrill of watching my imagination come to life in intricate layers of paper and cardboard that can be reshaped by others.

Seeing how my art connects with people on a visceral level is incredibly gratifying. When someone stretches, manipulates, and interacts with my sculptures, it’s like they become co-creators, adding their own unique touch to my work. This dynamic engagement bridges the gap between artist and audience in a way that traditional art often can’t.

Moreover, knowing that my sculptures spark conversations and evoke emotions, touching on themes like identity and culture, is deeply fulfilling. Art has the power to provoke thought and introspection, and being able to contribute to that dialogue is an honor.

But beyond the individual pieces, I find immense joy in sharing my passion with others. Conducting workshops and demonstrations not only lets me showcase my techniques but also allows me to inspire others to embrace their creative potential. Watching aspiring artists light up with newfound inspiration is a reward in itself.

In essence, being an artist isn’t just about creating beautiful things; it’s about creating experiences, connections, and opportunities for growth. The thrill of constantly pushing boundaries, engaging hearts and minds, and leaving a lasting impact is what truly makes this journey as an artist so incredibly rewarding.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, Felix Semper, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist lies in the transformative power of my creations. The ability to take raw materials, whether it’s layers of paper, or wood, and mold them into dynamic, stretchable sculptures is nothing short of magical. Witnessing these sculptures come to life in the hands of viewers, as they stretch and reshape them, is an experience that constantly fills me with awe and satisfaction.

Beyond the tactile interaction, the profound emotional connection my art forges with people is truly gratifying. Seeing how my work sparks conversations, evokes emotions, and challenges perceptions reminds me that art has the extraordinary capacity to touch the human soul.

I take immense pride in the fact that my sculptures are not static objects but living entities that evolve through engagement. It’s almost like a dance between the viewer and the artwork, where both play an active role in the creative process. This collaborative interaction transcends the traditional boundaries of art, creating a dynamic and ever-changing experience.

Moreover, being able to use my art as a platform for social commentary, exploring themes like identity and culture, adds a profound layer of purpose to my work. Knowing that my creations can inspire dialogue and contemplation on important issues is deeply meaningful.

Equally rewarding is the opportunity to share my passion with others. Through workshops and demonstrations, I can ignite the spark of creativity in aspiring artists, encouraging them to explore their own artistic journeys. Witnessing their excitement and growth is a reward in itself, and it reinforces my belief in the transformative potential of art.

In essence, being an artist allows me to leave a lasting impact, to create art that not only resonates visually but also invites active engagement and emotional connection. The journey of pushing boundaries, inspiring minds, and contributing to a broader artistic narrative is what makes every moment of being a creative so incredibly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.felixsemper.com
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