Claudia Calle
Age: 33
Email: calle@claudiacalle.com
Website: www.claudiacalle.com

1. What type of medium do you work with and explain how you use it? (Paint, design, photography, collage)
At the moment I’m working with a combination of medium including photography, acrylics, design and collage. The “Made in China” series was mostly done on wood because every piece of wood, has an unique characteristic which is what I wanted to represent with China, that even though we look at them like they are all the same, they are totally different one from the other.
2. What was your main interest in producing this artwork, or is there a statement you wanted to convey? Visiting the Republic of China had a great impact on me, not only because of its fascinating culture and history, but also because I can now see a socioeconomic phenomenon that was once invisible to me.
That triggered an inspiration to let people know more about their human side and impact on the world.

3. Tell us about your creative process, do you have any rituals, routines you follow? How does your artwork come together? (Do you use found objects, image banks, etc)
Through the creative process something wonderful happens.  My mind, eyes, hands and spirit aligns and without premeditation, in a magical second, I capture the essence of the people and things that are in front of me. The final result is always perfect because it comes from a spontaneous act. I enjoy experimenting with photography, painting and mixing elements over different and non – conventional materials.  In my work I use symbols as part of the human occultism with the purpose of spreading and protecting the truth.

4. How did you get started with your artistic career?
Since my young years I spent long hours at my father’s creative studio drawing and playing with all the materials they used to produce billboards and signs. With the years, I got inspired to study Visual Arts in Colombia and then Photography in Mexico, completing my studies with a Photo Design degree from the Miami AD School. I was deeply involved in the music photography and design for years, which lead me to a more spiritual and artistic desire for traveling and creating art based on my trips.

5. What would you say is one of your greatest accomplishments?
One of my greatest accomplishments is to wake up and be able to do what I love to do. At this stage of my life, I’m using my art as an expression, a meditation, a therapy and a communication tool to speak louder than my voice.

6. Where does your inspiration come from?
Or is there any particular movement, artwork or artist you find yourself influenced by? 
My inspiration comes from being present. Being aware and conscious of my surroundings also inspires me.

7. How do you see your artwork evolving from now?
I’m in a constant search for new media and materials that can communicate to large masses and be more accessible to the world. I’m more interested on being part of an evolution than being trapped in a museum. - IC