Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Márquez.
Alicia, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I love letters—typography, calligraphy, handwriting, graffiti, sign painting, letter carving—you name it! My passion for lettering began during my first years at university in Buenos Aires, where Rubén Fontana introduced me to the fascinating world of typography. Mr. Fontana—a master typographer, designer, and instructor in Argentina—inspired me to carve my very first letter, a capital roman ‘K’. For me, that was the start of my life as a lettering artist.
I graduated from the University of Buenos Aires with a bachelors in graphic design and I began studying calligraphy after moving to the U.S. in 2008. Over the last two years, my focus has expanded to include letter carving.
I think of myself as an eternal student, continually learning and perfecting my craft. For me, the journey is more important than the outcome itself, more effectual than the final piece. I love getting lost in the search to define and shape my point of view and style.
Chicago has a wonderful calligraphic community, firmly rooted in the Chicago Calligraphy Collective, the local guild, where I have taken workshops, and have formed strong bonds with like-minded friends. I have also attended hands-on letter carving workshops across the U.S. and in the U.K, where I’ve started to hone my craft.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I create pieces that explore different languages and that are open to interpretation. I love how the work can be the recipient of so much expression and content.
I am an observer. Learning to observe—and to linger over what is around you—whether in a workshop or in the outside world is the best way to evolve as an artist. I like to start with traditional techniques but I also “listen” to what the piece calls for, what it wants. I love to break the rules, but in order to do that successfully, you have to first master the basics.
With carving, the stone dictates the path—I have to “listen” and let it talk to me in order to discover what it wants to say. I love the Zen mode that takes over as I work, the smooth surface of the stone, the rhythm of the chisel and mallet, the infinite observation of light and shadows.
How can artists connect with other artists?
If you are a calligrapher or want to be one, join your local guild. Take as many workshops as you can—you’ll be surprised by how quickly you can connect with others. Social media is also a great platform for getting to know other artists. Follow everyone you like and let them know how you’re responding to their work.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
To view my lettering and carving work, visit my Web page and follow me on Instagram.
I am thrilled when someone takes an interest in my artistic approach! I tend to accept commissions that aren’t tethered to a strict deadline or timetable. I think the creative process—taking the time to allow that process to evolve—is a very important part of creating the final work that adds artistic relevance and value for me, and to the piece.
Contact Info:
- Website: art-lettering.com
- Email: alicia@art-lettering.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicia__marquez/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Alicia Márquez
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Paul Herrera
December 8, 2018 at 2:38 am
Excellent work Alicia.