Interview
Juanita Echeverry
Juanita Echeverry was born in Bogota, Colombia in 1979.
She developed her passion for resin and fluid art in her early 20s. Since then, she has been linked to this medium and its infinite possibilities in the world of design and art.
She describes herself as a totally empirical and self-taught epoxy resin artist, working mainly with universal pigments.
Her work explores the limits of nature and its infinite inspiration, all accentuated with a touch of magic that only she knows how to transmit.
Juanita currently lives and works in Latin America.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Since I was a child, I always had a close affinity with aesthetics, design and art. I initially studied business, and then did a Master’s in interior design in Milan, Italy. While in Milan, through Gobbetto, an important Italian resin producer company, I had the opportunity to discover resin as a medium, and I bonded with it immediately. That was the moment I connected with my real passion, and with what would be my work for the following years.
I started my journey in the art world 3 years ago, without even realizing it. Little by little, my work in the corporate world and interior design projects started changing from projects to a 100% studio life, full of color, art fairs and clients.”
What inspires you most?
“My main inspiration is the striking beauty of nature. My art is inspired by details and close-ups captured in water. Textures of natural stones, general color combinations and geometry in its basic forms give me so much inspiration. Also, within my work, there’s a strong influence from the Milky Way, the moon and the solar system.
In my daily life, I’m always finding new sources of inspiration in films, photos, art books, music, as well as from my travels. Basically, in every moment of my daily life, I find something that gets to my mind and heart, and makes me want to go and create something magical.”
“My work is the perfect mix of rebelliousness and curiosity. It always generates an incredible amount of attraction.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I love making abstract fluid art because it transmits a different message for every interlocutor. I always receive very positive reactions—love and happiness—from people when they see my paintings. There is always a different message for everyone, and this enriches my soul.
Through my art, I would like to present the functional art concept. I feel that this is something that is still not fully explored, at least in Latin America where I work and live. I know that in Europe and North America it is a better known concept, and I would love to be able to educate the public more in these new artistic proposals.”
How would you describe your work?
“My color approach and art immediately capture attention, The resin generates a sensation where you want to touch and feel it, like that forbidden touch. My paintings invite you to see them up close and perceive their depth. It’s all about details, which you can only perceive when standing just in front of the piece.”
“I’m always trying to project my art using new materials and approaches. I’m constantly thinking about innovating and creating new connections between resin and other non-conventional materials.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Several artists have influenced my career in these few years of artistic growth. Initially, there was Mino Longo, who taught me the complex handling of resin. Then there have been many artists who have been a great influence in the handling of color. These include Mark Rothko, Peter Zimmermann, Heather Day, and Caroline Denervaud.”
What is your creative process like?
"I usually plan how my paintings will look. I prepare a sketch based on textures, colors and a tentative final look. Because of the complexity involved in the handling of resin, the process of making corrections or big changes during the painting is very challenging. The resin gives a very short manipulation time, so I must be very organized and take advantage of every minute to avoid having problems with the final result. It’s a race against time, so every piece is a challenge. That’s why I have to be in the best mood, happy and excited about every single painting process, in order to achieve a satisfying ending.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“My role as an artist in society is based on giving visual happiness to those who observe my paintings. There is a satisfying feeling every time a client decides to purchase one of my works. As a society, we are going through a difficult time, and we should appreciate every single thing that brings calm and happiness to our daily lives.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve participated in a few exhibitions, but the most important for me was the international art fair of Luxembourg in 2021, where I had the opportunity to exhibit some of my works.
I actually manage all my clients directly from my social media and my private gallery.”
Website: juanitaecheverry.com
Instagram: @juanitaecheverry.art
