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Interview With
Judith Vergara Garcia
House of cards
2013
Oil on canvas-1.17 x 95.5 cm
Private Collection
2013
Oil on canvas-1.17 x 95.5 cm
Private Collection
Today is The First day of The Rest of My Life
Today is The First Day of the Rest of My Life
These words continued to play in my mind after speaking with
Peruvian Artist Judith Vergara Garcia.
In what seemed to be a relaxed conversation with this amazing artist, I found myself drifting in to some kind of a hypnotic state asking her questions and hearing her answers in a calming sweet sounding voice then ending up with 2 answers in my mind the one she spoke to me in words then the one that appeared in my mind directly afterwards. A subliminal suggestion that left me with an impression, a message, an idea.
TNYO: Judith it was such a pleasure speaking with you the other evening.
I have spent some time enjoying your paintings after our conversation and find them hitting some nerves like a hammer hits the strings of a piano and creates an atmosphere a feeling and a sense of time and place.
Where are you from Judith?
Today is The First Day of the Rest of My Life
These words continued to play in my mind after speaking with
Peruvian Artist Judith Vergara Garcia.
In what seemed to be a relaxed conversation with this amazing artist, I found myself drifting in to some kind of a hypnotic state asking her questions and hearing her answers in a calming sweet sounding voice then ending up with 2 answers in my mind the one she spoke to me in words then the one that appeared in my mind directly afterwards. A subliminal suggestion that left me with an impression, a message, an idea.
TNYO: Judith it was such a pleasure speaking with you the other evening.
I have spent some time enjoying your paintings after our conversation and find them hitting some nerves like a hammer hits the strings of a piano and creates an atmosphere a feeling and a sense of time and place.
Where are you from Judith?
Between two worlds
2013
32 x 32cm-oil on panel
Private Collection
2013
32 x 32cm-oil on panel
Private Collection
JVG: I was born in Peru, in Callao, very close to the sea. I was born in a cold winter afternoon on May 30, 1986.
TNYO: I have never been there and spend so much time in worlds outside of this one I always love touching back down and discovering new worlds. Can you tell us what your world is like in Peru from childhood to this new day in 2019?
JVG: Peru is a small country but with a lot of culture and good gastronomy. When I was little, I lived for some time in Callao, where I was born. A district with cool weather and endless summers, I remember it when I look back. At that time, I lived in my grandmother's house with my five cousins who were like my brothers, and we played together skating, riding bicycles or playing in February carnivals, I always remember everything in summer, maybe because of the warmth and slowness with the that the days passed by and the good memories I have of those times, when I was a child.
Then eventually I moved to another place, after my adolescence life changed radically, many things had changed, I grew up, I found myself in another place with other people, new friends, living new experiences, learning new things, creating new ones memories, learning to live, always hand in hand with art, painting and writing.
I like to write sometimes, I do not do it that often but I have some notebooks with some thoughts since I was a teenager until now. Today in 2019 I look back and many things have happened since then, life, time, love, art, everything has developed in such diverse ways and in very close times one of the other, that it is impossible to disconnect the painting of what has been happening in my life simultaneously. I arrived in 2019, I'm still here that's enough, and the painting continues to accompany me, which I consider a privilege that few have, and I hope to continue having it by my side until the last of my days.
TNYO: I have never been there and spend so much time in worlds outside of this one I always love touching back down and discovering new worlds. Can you tell us what your world is like in Peru from childhood to this new day in 2019?
JVG: Peru is a small country but with a lot of culture and good gastronomy. When I was little, I lived for some time in Callao, where I was born. A district with cool weather and endless summers, I remember it when I look back. At that time, I lived in my grandmother's house with my five cousins who were like my brothers, and we played together skating, riding bicycles or playing in February carnivals, I always remember everything in summer, maybe because of the warmth and slowness with the that the days passed by and the good memories I have of those times, when I was a child.
Then eventually I moved to another place, after my adolescence life changed radically, many things had changed, I grew up, I found myself in another place with other people, new friends, living new experiences, learning new things, creating new ones memories, learning to live, always hand in hand with art, painting and writing.
I like to write sometimes, I do not do it that often but I have some notebooks with some thoughts since I was a teenager until now. Today in 2019 I look back and many things have happened since then, life, time, love, art, everything has developed in such diverse ways and in very close times one of the other, that it is impossible to disconnect the painting of what has been happening in my life simultaneously. I arrived in 2019, I'm still here that's enough, and the painting continues to accompany me, which I consider a privilege that few have, and I hope to continue having it by my side until the last of my days.
Bad blood
2013
oil on canvas-118 x 89 cm
2013
oil on canvas-118 x 89 cm
IN LIMBO
2013
oil on canvas-131 x 89 cm
2013
oil on canvas-131 x 89 cm
TNYO: How has all this affected your work and does any of this life experience influence your art?
JVG: When I began to dedicate myself to painting professionally studying at the School of Art in Lima I understood that it was necessary to have something to communicate through my drawings, colors, settings, characters. The paint was not just putting spots of color. It was not enough to have good technique and know a lot about theory.
I understood that painting has to connect directly with your soul to the deepest of your being and not be afraid to discover who it is, or who you really are. Part of my life was seen in some way reflected in my painting, the way I perceive things, I try to create scenarios in which time does not deteriorate matter, where death has no power over the body, on the contrary, in my paintings almost everything flourishes but death subliminally is always present even if it does not hurt.
My fear of death, leaving pending, inconclusive things forces me to look for in my painting the continuity of life, the immortality of the body, in this case the characters that appear in my paintings are an extension of my being and through them I look for transcendence beyond my death, leave something that can go beyond for future generations.
JVG: When I began to dedicate myself to painting professionally studying at the School of Art in Lima I understood that it was necessary to have something to communicate through my drawings, colors, settings, characters. The paint was not just putting spots of color. It was not enough to have good technique and know a lot about theory.
I understood that painting has to connect directly with your soul to the deepest of your being and not be afraid to discover who it is, or who you really are. Part of my life was seen in some way reflected in my painting, the way I perceive things, I try to create scenarios in which time does not deteriorate matter, where death has no power over the body, on the contrary, in my paintings almost everything flourishes but death subliminally is always present even if it does not hurt.
My fear of death, leaving pending, inconclusive things forces me to look for in my painting the continuity of life, the immortality of the body, in this case the characters that appear in my paintings are an extension of my being and through them I look for transcendence beyond my death, leave something that can go beyond for future generations.
State of Grace Estado de Gracia
2013
oil on canvas -60 x 84cm
2013
oil on canvas -60 x 84cm
These oneiric scenarios that are seen in my paintings are the search for the spiritual terrain, the magic, what we do not know but we want to find, the balance between the earthly and the spiritual.
The painting has helped me a lot to release many burdens, although there are things that the canvas cannot stand and sometimes they are stored in the heart, in the skin, in the memories that time slowly takes over to vanish. The painting has great power, the power of creation, one plays at being God even for a moment, you create a character, a story, a stage and let the rest of it happen.
That power of creation is something that people ignore and do not understand, everything that the artist goes through to get these ideas to materialize in a painting.
You have the possibility to create your own world, it is your creation, something that is born from the deepest part of your being, and it is what is built in your mind and ends up concreting in colors and shapes on a canvas.
The painting has helped me a lot to release many burdens, although there are things that the canvas cannot stand and sometimes they are stored in the heart, in the skin, in the memories that time slowly takes over to vanish. The painting has great power, the power of creation, one plays at being God even for a moment, you create a character, a story, a stage and let the rest of it happen.
That power of creation is something that people ignore and do not understand, everything that the artist goes through to get these ideas to materialize in a painting.
You have the possibility to create your own world, it is your creation, something that is born from the deepest part of your being, and it is what is built in your mind and ends up concreting in colors and shapes on a canvas.
Volcano and Breeze
2013
oil on canvas- 135 x 160 cm
2013
oil on canvas- 135 x 160 cm
Anathema
2014
-oil on canvas- 153 x 113 cm\
2014
-oil on canvas- 153 x 113 cm\
TNYO: Can you tell us who the artists you admire the most are?
JVG: Since the student days I discovered many artists who inspired me and from whom I learned not only some technical procedures, I also learned to use images to communicate what art does. I like the drawings of Travis Louie and the engravings of Durer, the painting of Frida Kahlo for the symbolism that she uses, although technically she is not one of my favorites. I also like the painting of Rembrandt for the quality of his work, and Van Gogh for the vibrant colors in his paintings, the feeling is impressive. Mark Ryden is another of the artists that I like, although he is more contemporary. Pop surrealism has greatly influenced my work. I also like the photography of Daria Endresen and Brooke Shaden with surrealistic and somewhat Gothic themes.
TNYO: Judith what does life mean to you?
JVG: Since the student days I discovered many artists who inspired me and from whom I learned not only some technical procedures, I also learned to use images to communicate what art does. I like the drawings of Travis Louie and the engravings of Durer, the painting of Frida Kahlo for the symbolism that she uses, although technically she is not one of my favorites. I also like the painting of Rembrandt for the quality of his work, and Van Gogh for the vibrant colors in his paintings, the feeling is impressive. Mark Ryden is another of the artists that I like, although he is more contemporary. Pop surrealism has greatly influenced my work. I also like the photography of Daria Endresen and Brooke Shaden with surrealistic and somewhat Gothic themes.
TNYO: Judith what does life mean to you?
Desvario
2014
oil on canvas-140-x-104-cm
2014
oil on canvas-140-x-104-cm
JVG: It is a complicated question. Life up to this moment for me has meant many things, learning, patience, perseverance, sadness, joy, pain, art, love, hope. It is difficult to summarize everything in one word. But I have understood that having life is a very valuable gift that we should not miss. While there is life there is hope, says the people.
I believe that while there is life and passion, many things can be improved and can be achieved. Life goes by so fast, it is so short that sometimes we do not value the time we have and we waste it with toxic people or doing things that do not help us move forward and that harm us.
It is good to get away from what is not healthy for you, and try to live fully every day that you have left, we do not know until when, but while it lasts, you have to try to be happy.
TNYO: And Death?
I believe that while there is life and passion, many things can be improved and can be achieved. Life goes by so fast, it is so short that sometimes we do not value the time we have and we waste it with toxic people or doing things that do not help us move forward and that harm us.
It is good to get away from what is not healthy for you, and try to live fully every day that you have left, we do not know until when, but while it lasts, you have to try to be happy.
TNYO: And Death?
Frozen world
2014
17.7 x 22 in
oil on canvas.
2014
17.7 x 22 in
oil on canvas.
JVG: Death, I do not know. It could mean the end but also the beginning. We could suppose that life continues but in a different way in another dimension, but until now no one is certain of that. Death closes cycles and definitely the matter we have as a body deteriorates. Death is the final point to our mortal life.
After that maybe we transform into energy that complements the universe, I'm just speculating. But in my mortal life as a human being it would be the end of the creation of my painting.
After that maybe we transform into energy that complements the universe, I'm just speculating. But in my mortal life as a human being it would be the end of the creation of my painting.
Invocations
2014
oil on canvas-46 x 35 cm
2014
oil on canvas-46 x 35 cm
TNYO: How long of a life would you like to live?
JVG: Enough to be happy, travel and make my dreams come true. It's quality, not quantity. But I would like to live a few more years to share with the people next to me.
JVG: Enough to be happy, travel and make my dreams come true. It's quality, not quantity. But I would like to live a few more years to share with the people next to me.
Animal Instinct
2016
oil on canvas-35x43cm
2016
oil on canvas-35x43cm
TNYO: Who are these women in your paintings?
JVG: Since I was little, I grew up surrounded by women. In my grandmother's house the female figure was the one that always predominated.
Unconsciously these characters come to me, some have something of me, the others are creations based on stories, experiences or things that I see around me. Everything that surrounds me is food for my painting.
On My Skin
2016
oil on canvas-17 x 46cm
2016
oil on canvas-17 x 46cm
TNYO: Do you believe in witchcraft? Are you a witch?
If you are, are you a good witch or a bad witch?
If you are, are you a good witch or a bad witch?
Post Tenebras Lux
2016
oil on canvas-43 x 45cm
2016
oil on canvas-43 x 45cm
JVG: I do not believe in witchcraft as a practice. I respect the people who are dedicated to that, but personally I do not believe. I believe in the supernatural, in some things that have no logical explanation and that there is definitely something else that we cannot see, but I do not think that comes from the power of a man.
Human beings have many limitations and those supernatural things of which I speak go beyond the power of a man. There are spirits capable of manifesting some things but I do not think that comes directly from a mortal person.
There could be exceptions, I am not generalizing. There are people who are born with gifts, with special talents, such as premonition, seeing the future or the past, but they are difficult to find. I am not a witch, but I always have hunches of the things that are going to happen, when I mentalize things almost always happen.
If I had a supernatural power I would not use it to hurt people, on the contrary I would use it to help them alleviate their pain, illnesses, their pains, the heavy burden that some carry inside. Maybe painting is my supernatural power.
Human beings have many limitations and those supernatural things of which I speak go beyond the power of a man. There are spirits capable of manifesting some things but I do not think that comes directly from a mortal person.
There could be exceptions, I am not generalizing. There are people who are born with gifts, with special talents, such as premonition, seeing the future or the past, but they are difficult to find. I am not a witch, but I always have hunches of the things that are going to happen, when I mentalize things almost always happen.
If I had a supernatural power I would not use it to hurt people, on the contrary I would use it to help them alleviate their pain, illnesses, their pains, the heavy burden that some carry inside. Maybe painting is my supernatural power.
May I fly
2017
graphite on cardboard- 20 x 25 cm - 8x 10 in
2017
graphite on cardboard- 20 x 25 cm - 8x 10 in
TNYO: What is your opinion on the idea of chance and percentages?
Waiting
2017
25.8 x 19.7
oil on canvas
2017
25.8 x 19.7
oil on canvas
JVG: In life one finds an infinity of opportunities and the possibilities of those opportunities coming to you are relative according to the context in which you find yourself.
I understand things differently. When you want something in life and really want it, you work from wherever you are and in the conditions where you are for it. And if it's a good thing, life finally ends up giving it to you, the universe conspires in your favor and things however difficult they may seem, come to fruition.
If you really believe in yourself and what you do, you have that blind faith that things will improve, that something will change. When something is for you, life sooner or later gives it to you, but when it is not for you, no matter what you do, life simply moves it away. When you are predestined for something it just happens and until that happens you have to keep working. Everything arrives at its time, neither before nor after. Everything in its time.
I understand things differently. When you want something in life and really want it, you work from wherever you are and in the conditions where you are for it. And if it's a good thing, life finally ends up giving it to you, the universe conspires in your favor and things however difficult they may seem, come to fruition.
If you really believe in yourself and what you do, you have that blind faith that things will improve, that something will change. When something is for you, life sooner or later gives it to you, but when it is not for you, no matter what you do, life simply moves it away. When you are predestined for something it just happens and until that happens you have to keep working. Everything arrives at its time, neither before nor after. Everything in its time.
Dream Forest
2018
Oil on Canvas
80 x 112 cm
2018
Oil on Canvas
80 x 112 cm
TNYO: Are you a gambler?
Keep Me Safe
2018
oil on canvas-10 x 10 in
2018
oil on canvas-10 x 10 in
JVG: I like playing cards from time to time but I'm not a bettor. My father from a very early age taught me to play cards because he thought it was a fun and easy way to learn math.
That is why in some of my paintings I use these elements, like in "House of cards" which is very symbolic because it refers to the fragility with which things are built and that at any moment everything can fall apart.
That is why in some of my paintings I use these elements, like in "House of cards" which is very symbolic because it refers to the fragility with which things are built and that at any moment everything can fall apart.
Stay With Me
2018
graphite on cardboard-14 x 12 in
2018
graphite on cardboard-14 x 12 in
TNYO: Are you married or single?
JVG: I am currently single, I was about to marry three times but things of destiny did not happen. I do not worry about the future when we talk about marriage, those things come to life when you least expect it. It is not good to force situations or people to make things happen. When it comes to the heart it is better to let everything happen naturally and in due time.
TNYO: Where will your next travel destination be?
Do you paint and draw in the places you travel to?
JVG: I am looking forward to returning to New York this year, I hope can have the time to do it. I am also very excited to go to Asia, there are many places that I would like to visit there, especially because of the culture and landscapes that exist in those places, and it is very beautiful.
When I travel I usually make sketches or small drawings, things that are easy to transport so they do not get damaged and I write a lot about everything I experienced and knowing along the way.
JVG: I am currently single, I was about to marry three times but things of destiny did not happen. I do not worry about the future when we talk about marriage, those things come to life when you least expect it. It is not good to force situations or people to make things happen. When it comes to the heart it is better to let everything happen naturally and in due time.
TNYO: Where will your next travel destination be?
Do you paint and draw in the places you travel to?
JVG: I am looking forward to returning to New York this year, I hope can have the time to do it. I am also very excited to go to Asia, there are many places that I would like to visit there, especially because of the culture and landscapes that exist in those places, and it is very beautiful.
When I travel I usually make sketches or small drawings, things that are easy to transport so they do not get damaged and I write a lot about everything I experienced and knowing along the way.
The Queen
2018
14.6 x 11.4
graphite on cardboard
2018
14.6 x 11.4
graphite on cardboard
TNYO: Being a surrealist, how much time do you actually spend here in the present?
JVG: Although I like surrealism very much as the central axis of my painting, I spend more time in reality than you imagine. I am like any mortal, I have a job, I pay taxes, I have to prepare dinner, wash clothes, etc. I do not live in a bubble.
But when it comes to creating, my mind is disconnected from the world, the present, travels and begins to create things that I'm pointing to in a paper because I forget them and that can happen at any time, while I travel on the bus, while lunch or I walk on the street. A song, a movie, an image, a person walking down the street can be the trigger for a new idea for a painting. I always have to be alert.
JVG: Although I like surrealism very much as the central axis of my painting, I spend more time in reality than you imagine. I am like any mortal, I have a job, I pay taxes, I have to prepare dinner, wash clothes, etc. I do not live in a bubble.
But when it comes to creating, my mind is disconnected from the world, the present, travels and begins to create things that I'm pointing to in a paper because I forget them and that can happen at any time, while I travel on the bus, while lunch or I walk on the street. A song, a movie, an image, a person walking down the street can be the trigger for a new idea for a painting. I always have to be alert.
Delirium
2013
oil on canvas 131.5 x 85.5 cm
2013
oil on canvas 131.5 x 85.5 cm
TNYO: Judith you have been such a lovely guest thank you for playing with the New York Optimist, and sharing your private thoughts and gifts with us - us being humanity in all our glorious ridiculous horrible beautiful temporary disguises and guises.
Can you share a favorite song with us - one which touches you deeply?
JVG: There are many songs that I would like to share with you, here the one: “The Trip” by Still Corners.
Thanks for the interview and for your time!
Can you share a favorite song with us - one which touches you deeply?
JVG: There are many songs that I would like to share with you, here the one: “The Trip” by Still Corners.
Thanks for the interview and for your time!
List Of Photos
| jvglistofphotos.pdf |