Recently Marible Arriaza from Cromos, a Honduran Magazine, interviewed me about my current work, future goals, and certain personal experiences that have shaped me.
Helga Sierra and her abstract dreams
Spirituality and discipline are two virtues, amongst many that accompany this artist´s day to day activities. Considering herself a multidisciplinary artist, whose performance has left a mark in several countries.
How do you define yourself on a personal level and as an artist?
On a personal level, I am a dreamer, a disciple of Jesus, respectful, curious. I am someone who has the support of an incredible family and friends.
As an artist I am a dreamer, disciplined woman, a lover of color and challenges. I consider myself a multidisciplinary artist, although painting is the discipline that I develop the most. Many consider me an abstract artist, but that is simply because I have focused my practice there for the last 5 years. I love abstract art, and at the moment I have fun creating these works, so I will continue to create them.
What’s your relationship with paintbrushes?
Before, the “brush” was my favorite tool when it came to painting. My favorite brush is a squirrel hair brush that I bought in London. I lived in Europe for 3 months, a time that really challenged me to create like never before. Currently I do not want to paint with brushes, hence one of my newest challenges.
When did you decide that painting would be a part of your life?
I have been painting since I was a child. From when I was 8 until 18 years I was part of the Carolina Carias Art Studio in Tegucigalpa. Carolina is my mentor and friend, and I continue to support the art studio in many ways. As a teenager I never thought that art would be something that I would pursue professionally, however, while I was studying my bachelor’s degree and then my master’s degree in business administration, at different universities in the United States, art and the act of creation were a constant part of my daily life. I became interested in graphic design, photography, painting and studied at the university level as well. These other disciplines are the ones that I keep within my creative process and influence my works (or completed paintings you see).
Where have you shown your work?
More than 20, including countries like the United States, El Salvador, Portugal and Panama.
Visit www.helgasierra.com to learn about my artistic career.
Are you a muralist, or do you create other work?
I don’t consider myself a muralist, but I love graffiti and street art (two very different things). I like to work in large formats, and I have made several murals and currently I want to challenge myself to create large works, but I am not a muralist. I am always taking photos: my cell phone, computer, camera and hard drive are full of photos. But on a personal level, since the pandemic began, I started taking black and white photos with my camera. I am learning a lot about light and how it influences the emotions conveyed in a composition. In addition to photos exclusively taken and edited on my cell phone. I am also taking up collage and intervened photography and would like to explore expanded painting and installation. With my branding company, I am constantly designing or taking photos. I am always creating something, for me creating is like breathing.
What are your future plans?
When I am 60, 80, 100 years old and gray-haired, I want to be sure that I worked with all my soul, lungs and heart, be it in art or others. My plan is to leave a legacy of change in my community.
As for art, I am in a stage of experimentation. After 3 years of working on a series, I think it’s time to grow even more.
In the near future I hope to exhibit my work internationally and continue collaborating with the national Cultural Centers that have supported my artistic career thus far.
I would like to continue making commissions for cultural centers-museums, private clients, companies, etc., and eventually be able to create job opportunities for others through art.
I am also looking for opportunities to study a master’s degree in visual arts outside of Honduras.
Additionally, I hope that my business Halser Co, a branding and design company, will continue to grow and leave a mark on an international scale.
I loved reading this interview ♥