Atis Saez's interview

Where is your inspiration coming from?
It usually comes from the materials and what they express themselves. I investigate the proper law of the material and the form that this suggests to me to do the work, as well as the appropriate technique.

What are you trying to communicate in particular with your artwork?
On an artistic level, I have always worked with metal hand weaving, because it is a technique that reminds me of my childhood, of the manual work’s heritage of the women in my family. Through the weaving and its organic growth, it comes naturally to me to communicate my way of seeing life, always observing several realities at the same time and how these become one, how they flow and take different paths, and how everything finally is ordered and takes its natural course.

Which material do you prefer to use and why?
Since my Industrial Design studies, I have always preferred metal, because it allows me to obtain three-dimensional pieces. I used to work with silver for its malleability and neutral tone, but during the last five or six years I started to research about copper and how to work on both traditional jewelry techniques and metal crochet, which is my specialty. This red metal is very interesting, and it was difficult at first to find its own law and be able to work with it, but I ended up identifying myself with its rebellion and character. Now in the exhibition "Migrants" copper is very appropriate to represent the skin tones, since it has a wide palette of tonalities that show well that there is not only one universal skin color.

How much value do you give to researching materials for your creations?
As I was telling about my work with copper, investigating different materialities allows us to expand our creative record. Understanding the law of a new material and how it takes a new direction in our hands is like a commitment, a new relationship that arises and requires adapting and understanding how it works to get the best out of it.

Is it more important for you the process, or the final artwork itself?
Phew! It's a difficult question, because I usually work on what I'm passionate about, so I enjoy the creative as well as the productive process a lot, it is always something important for me personally.But I also really enjoy the achievement, to see how each piece ends, especially in the metal hand weaving, since I usually draw a route, but I let myself go according to how I "feel" the weave. This always throws some surprise at the end.

Is there an artist you prefer and why?
There are many! In my area, metal weaving, I admire the work of Ruth Asawa. Although she has not made jewelry pieces, it is very clear how she has influenced me. Another artist I admire is Arline Fish, due to her research in various textile techniques that she worked in metal. In other techniques and something more contemporary I really like the work of Sebastien Carré, because his pieces are organic and colorful, and he mixes an infinity of materials always with a spectacular result. I also admire what Arata Fuchi does, not only his mastery of technical management, but because he creates pieces that look like microorganisms. His pieces are very alive! In Chile I highlight and admire the work of Valeria Martínez, since her research and works in copper filigree have opened a new path in technique and materiality, with a strong Chilean identity.

Have you ever thought to collaborate with other artists , or you like to work on your own?
During the last year I have been approaching designers and other creators to find out what possibilities there are to do joint work, both in small and in large format, thinking about clothing and decorative or utilitarian objects, always thinking about the metal weaving as the technique that would make that bridge. Interacting with people from other disciplines always expands more the creative resources and enriches with this the author’s work.

Where do you feel you are at with this last collection?
I think it's a GREAT starting point for other experiences. Being able to relate to other jewelers and artists under the same concept has given me a lot of feedback!It has taken me to incorporate other materialities such as porcelain, a material that has a very different way of working from what I usually do, and I think I will continue to incorporate it in my next works.

What have you discovered of yourself, are you satisfied?
I believe that the most significant thing has been to reach this point, to have promoted teamwork and to believe in my work to show it and show myself to the public. I think that achieving this certainty has been something like achieving maturity, it is time to show the chosen route. And yes, I am very happy with all of this! It is a nice feeling.

Two words to describe your last artwork collection.
Difference and integration.

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Atis takes part at the "Migrantes" event at myday-byday gallery !

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