Connecting with Your Own Soul
Quim Bové
May 17, 2021
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Hi Quim, It's great connecting with you. Can you tell us what philosophical ideas have you examined in your most recent series of works?
My philosophy has always been the same and it's the sole focus of my work, but the implementation and its expression do indeed vary from series to series. The philosophy of my art revolves around human ontology: What’s the human destiny and why we are here? Are we made of constellation energy? I express a metaphoric representation of flashes of the human mind in different stages. While my art represents (expresses) the energy in the desert, in the universe and the energy right here around us, the manner in which I express this across my pieces will always change and evolve. |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
This is the nature of all things. Change. Time and Change are key contributors in both my artistic expression same as in my technical execution.
How is life treating Quim, the Catalan/Spaniard painter and artistic soul, living and creating in Los Angeles?
Life in Los Angeles has been kind to me. There are few places in the world where one can reside near the ocean, the mountains and the desert. As an artist who draws inspiration and energy from the desert living in Los Angeles allows me to go from a busy and loud metropolis to a serene space where senses are stimulated by natural energy. While my studio is located in the city, my work process is quite isolated.
I find it very important to connect with your own soul to find the creative stream of energy. Besides my artistic drive I enjoy having my entire family within a short walk. They bring balance to my life.
Do you follow a strict work regiment or are you more flexible managing your timeline according to priorities and distractions?
I don’t like to call it a work regiment but I do tend to follow a routine. I enjoy what I do and I will do it for as long as the creative juices flow during a typical day. I think the evolution of your work depends a great deal on your daily routine. Working hard is how you find new creative ways. I usually start working at 5:00 am until sometime in the afternoon. I enjoy working early in the day when the majority of the city sleeps. It is very quiet and soothing which works perfect for my creative process.
Art is my life. However, when you have a family, you need to find balance. I’m a family man. I love to be with my kids and grandchildren. My family is all in a relatively creative feel which gives me great pride as an artist and as a father.
How is life treating Quim, the Catalan/Spaniard painter and artistic soul, living and creating in Los Angeles?
Life in Los Angeles has been kind to me. There are few places in the world where one can reside near the ocean, the mountains and the desert. As an artist who draws inspiration and energy from the desert living in Los Angeles allows me to go from a busy and loud metropolis to a serene space where senses are stimulated by natural energy. While my studio is located in the city, my work process is quite isolated.
I find it very important to connect with your own soul to find the creative stream of energy. Besides my artistic drive I enjoy having my entire family within a short walk. They bring balance to my life.
Do you follow a strict work regiment or are you more flexible managing your timeline according to priorities and distractions?
I don’t like to call it a work regiment but I do tend to follow a routine. I enjoy what I do and I will do it for as long as the creative juices flow during a typical day. I think the evolution of your work depends a great deal on your daily routine. Working hard is how you find new creative ways. I usually start working at 5:00 am until sometime in the afternoon. I enjoy working early in the day when the majority of the city sleeps. It is very quiet and soothing which works perfect for my creative process.
Art is my life. However, when you have a family, you need to find balance. I’m a family man. I love to be with my kids and grandchildren. My family is all in a relatively creative feel which gives me great pride as an artist and as a father.
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Where do you seek peace especially when there is too much chaos or confusion such as what we have all experienced during this terrible pandemic?
I like meditation. Finding tranquility is very important to me personally and artistically. There are two places where I can find such silence and peace: in my studio and serene places in nature.
When I look for inspiration as well as a mental break, the empty and mysterious desert is a perfect place to connect with yourself and the Universe. The pandemic has changed much of our lives. However, nature remains unchanged and unaltered and that gives me a sense of hope and optimism.
Have you experimented more with new mediums and colors or have you stuck to what you know best this past year?
During the pandemic, like many, I was stuck at home for a while. This actually opened an opportunity for new mediums. I am used to working on very large works in my studio. Being at home allowed me to experience sketching with ink and paper. It was stimulating to create at a smaller scale.
I see myself often as a mix between a chemist and an artist. I cannot do what I do every day, forever. I call my studio a lab where every day I attempt something different, whether through technique or through mixing different paints, chemicals and elements.
Time itself is paramount in my painting process as time causes materials to dry, harden, coagulate, emulsify or break apart. There are elements in my “palette” which are not tangible but they are often the most important and overlooked.
What type of music do you have in your playlist nowadays? Can you share your favorite new author or filmmaker whose works you’ve enjoyed lately?
The moment I enter my studio I play “Are we there yet” by Pat Metheny. This artist/track orbits my mind towards a creative direction. I often play Pat Metheny, Medeski, Martin & Wood.
In the minimal genre, Steve Reich is at the top of my list and Ornette Coleman is for free Jazz. I still enjoy watching again and again Interstellar by Cristopher Nolan. One of Nolan's themes across several of his movies is "time" and that is an essential element I continuously work with in my art.
Have you picked up any new talents to avoid boredom and keep things interesting?
I'm rarely bored. Painting, sketching, reading and spending time with the family allow me to always have something to do. Sometimes I do some gardening which brings a bit of peace when stress takes over one's day.
We have an ongoing campaign titled #BeatTheBlues on ways to prioritize mental health. What does Quim Bove do to #BeatTheBlues?
I think positive. I enjoy the little things in life and I always think we are a miracle in the universe. We cannot let the little things control our wellbeing and our attitude towards others and ourselves. Syncing with nature - away from high sensory places - is a great way to find some inner peace and take a break from things that trigger stress.
Would you like to share with us, any small or big moments that you have witnessed and that according to you perfectly capture the essence of LA?
I haven't lived enough time in LA to fully understand the city's idiosyncrasies. Although in such a large city, I sought a place to relax mentally where one feels very detached from social obligations while living a well balanced life.
What have you tuned out and tuned in today?
The pandemic is certainly one thing I've started to tune out. I've taken my social responsibilities to control spread within my family and friends. At this point one can only hope others will follow a similar path. It's now a matter of time and something that can continue to destabilize one's work and focus if not tuned out to a certain degree.
What I do tune in are things that trigger inspiration. Short trips to the desert outside of LA is always a great way to find a bit of both inner peace and creative inspiration. The sounds of the serene and mystery of the desert help me find that.
Where and how can people buy your art work: original/prints/art book?
I have works represented by various Galleries worldwide at the moment from New York City to Dubai by galleries such as the Opera Gallery and Bonner David Art Boutique. I also create custom pieces for various clients and collectors through my studio in Los Angeles. I also sell original sketches directly for a lower price point budgets. You can reach out to me through my website.
Thank you and good luck!
I like meditation. Finding tranquility is very important to me personally and artistically. There are two places where I can find such silence and peace: in my studio and serene places in nature.
When I look for inspiration as well as a mental break, the empty and mysterious desert is a perfect place to connect with yourself and the Universe. The pandemic has changed much of our lives. However, nature remains unchanged and unaltered and that gives me a sense of hope and optimism.
Have you experimented more with new mediums and colors or have you stuck to what you know best this past year?
During the pandemic, like many, I was stuck at home for a while. This actually opened an opportunity for new mediums. I am used to working on very large works in my studio. Being at home allowed me to experience sketching with ink and paper. It was stimulating to create at a smaller scale.
I see myself often as a mix between a chemist and an artist. I cannot do what I do every day, forever. I call my studio a lab where every day I attempt something different, whether through technique or through mixing different paints, chemicals and elements.
Time itself is paramount in my painting process as time causes materials to dry, harden, coagulate, emulsify or break apart. There are elements in my “palette” which are not tangible but they are often the most important and overlooked.
What type of music do you have in your playlist nowadays? Can you share your favorite new author or filmmaker whose works you’ve enjoyed lately?
The moment I enter my studio I play “Are we there yet” by Pat Metheny. This artist/track orbits my mind towards a creative direction. I often play Pat Metheny, Medeski, Martin & Wood.
In the minimal genre, Steve Reich is at the top of my list and Ornette Coleman is for free Jazz. I still enjoy watching again and again Interstellar by Cristopher Nolan. One of Nolan's themes across several of his movies is "time" and that is an essential element I continuously work with in my art.
Have you picked up any new talents to avoid boredom and keep things interesting?
I'm rarely bored. Painting, sketching, reading and spending time with the family allow me to always have something to do. Sometimes I do some gardening which brings a bit of peace when stress takes over one's day.
We have an ongoing campaign titled #BeatTheBlues on ways to prioritize mental health. What does Quim Bove do to #BeatTheBlues?
I think positive. I enjoy the little things in life and I always think we are a miracle in the universe. We cannot let the little things control our wellbeing and our attitude towards others and ourselves. Syncing with nature - away from high sensory places - is a great way to find some inner peace and take a break from things that trigger stress.
Would you like to share with us, any small or big moments that you have witnessed and that according to you perfectly capture the essence of LA?
I haven't lived enough time in LA to fully understand the city's idiosyncrasies. Although in such a large city, I sought a place to relax mentally where one feels very detached from social obligations while living a well balanced life.
What have you tuned out and tuned in today?
The pandemic is certainly one thing I've started to tune out. I've taken my social responsibilities to control spread within my family and friends. At this point one can only hope others will follow a similar path. It's now a matter of time and something that can continue to destabilize one's work and focus if not tuned out to a certain degree.
What I do tune in are things that trigger inspiration. Short trips to the desert outside of LA is always a great way to find a bit of both inner peace and creative inspiration. The sounds of the serene and mystery of the desert help me find that.
Where and how can people buy your art work: original/prints/art book?
I have works represented by various Galleries worldwide at the moment from New York City to Dubai by galleries such as the Opera Gallery and Bonner David Art Boutique. I also create custom pieces for various clients and collectors through my studio in Los Angeles. I also sell original sketches directly for a lower price point budgets. You can reach out to me through my website.
Thank you and good luck!