Giving life and meaning to inanimate objects is first, the passion and then the work of Dolores Furtado, a Brooklyn based sculptor from Buenos Aires. Dolores is a very curious woman who carries out technical research and experiments before making her unique pieces. Dolores' sculptures favor movement, evolution and action and reject static. In fact, when observing her art it is possible to notice different shapes and particular lines, which are unpredictable like nature.
We had the pleasure of meeting Dolores and asked her about her creative process and what lies behind her work.
I believe materials carry meaning, and they are spiritually charged. In my world, matter and spirit are the same thing in different forms.
Hi Dolores tell us who you are and where are you from?
I’m Dolores Furtado, a Brooklyn based sculptor born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
When did you approach the world of sculpture?
I started working with sculpture by accident, while taking a painting class. They gave me an exercise using wire, to study space and depth in painting. I fell in love with sculpture and I never painted again.
Tell us about your creative process. From the sketch to the realization.
My practice is the result of my interest in matter, which I expose in a raw naked way: matter becomes body. In a wide range of formats and sizes, my sculptures highlight process, through tactile marks, object prints, mould seams, de-colourations, drips, and cracks. Every step of the process adds a new layer of information, and the final piece is not a pre-designed object, but only the outcome of a series of actions with an open end.
I think of my sculptures as documentation of process and action. That being said, I never sketch a sculpture, and I don’t know what the piece will look like until
the end. Like an alchemist, my practice is based on the idea of transforming materials into different states. I believe materials carry meaning, and they are spiritually charged.
In my world, matter and spirit are the same thing in different forms.
Are there any artists you are inspired by?
When I work, I’m mostly inspired by materials, process and nature.
I admire the work of Eva Hesse, Louise Bourgeois, Lynda Benglis, Agnes Denes, Gego, Ana Mendieta, Lola Mora, among others.
What techniques do you use?
I do mostly but not exclusively mould making, casting and laminating. I love techniques, and I’m always exploring new materials, so I’m eager to study and incorporate new ones. I usually use and combine materials in non traditional ways. I have an experimental approach to my practice, and I like to invent new systems for casting and different ways of making moulds. I explore new materialities. Part of my process is to try new techniques with little planning or previous knowledge in order to get unexpected outcomes.
I usually use and combine materials in non traditional ways. I have an experimental approach to my practice, and I like to invent new systems.
Where do you usually create? Do you like being in your studio or surrounded by nature?
As many sculptors, I have a heavy studio practice. Most of my works are made in the studio. When I make outdoors work, I like to do it on site. It’s not always possible but it’s the ideal scenario for me. My outdoors pieces merge with the landscape.