Interview with Guererro Projects

Nancy Guerrero is a talented Chilean artist and the visionary behind Guerrero Projects. She operates her own print studio, La Melangerie. She creates an array of whimsical and unconventional pieces that delightfully blur the line between reality and fantasy. Her intricate drawings and paintings on paper are infused with vibrant colors, playful patterns, and quirky characters that seem to leap off the page. In her ceramics work, Nancy's creativity truly shines as she transforms mundane objects into extraordinary art forms. Each piece, whether it's a charming sculpture or an intricately decorated plate, radiates a sense of joy and wonder, inviting viewers to explore a world where the unexpected is always around the corner. Nancy's inspiring creations continue to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide, and she is a beloved figure at my gallery. Adding to that, I'm personally a huge fan of her work and have collected several pieces over the years.

I'm excited to announce a new feature for my website — a Journal section where I'll delve into the thoughts and motivations of the artists showcasing at the gallery. Despite the distance, I couldn't visit Nancy in her studio in France, but she graciously responded to my questionnaire and shared exclusive photos, offering us a virtual tour of her creative space.

Q&A with Nancy Guerrero

How would you describe your work for someone who hasn’t seen it?

If I had to describe my work to someone unfamiliar with it, I'd say it’s a mix of the fun and the quirky, crafted on both paper and ceramics. XXX cartoonish characters, brought to life through intricate drawings and paintings. My ceramic pieces continue this playful theme, with each item – whether it's a sculpture or a delicately adorned plate – exuding a sense of joy and imaginative curiosity. It's all about creating a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and every piece tells its own unique, fantastical story.

Who do you imagine buys your work? And what would draw them to it?

I envision my work attracting creative individuals who are deeply in touch with their inner child. These are the people who appreciate the simple joys in life and are drawn to the whimsical, playful nature of my pieces. They’re the ones who believe in the magic of everyday moments and find happiness in the unexpected. My art speaks to their sense of wonder and playful spirit, inviting them to engage in the smile back game and incorporate a bit of fun into their lives.

What’s the best and worst comments you’ve received about your work?

Best: The best comments have to be when people tell me, "Your work brings me joy." There's nothing quite like seeing school kids' drawings inspired by my art—it's the ultimate compliment, and no words are needed.

Worst: I remember being at art fairs in Paris, where the locals aren't too vocal with their feedback. We used to chuckle about the "disgust faces" of passersby who didn't stop by the booth, calling it the "smelling shit face"—or mépris, as they say in French. On a more serious note, some people ask about the use of black in my work, associating dark colors with grief. The worst comment I've received was from someone who mistakenly interpreted my art as "blackface," which was really disheartening.

You take a multi-disciplinary approach to your work i.e. print making and clay sculptures? Do you have a preference?

I was originally trained as a sculptor, which allowed me to explore a variety of techniques like foundry work and stone carving. In Chile, you had to master the entire process from scratch, including making your own tools, due to the lack of readily available or affordable ones. This experience perhaps explains my affinity for 3D effect prints.

Over the years, I've experimented with nearly every medium. My initial art school in Chile was fantastic, as the first two years were dedicated to trying all techniques before choosing a specialization. Later, at Heatherley’s in London, I was a bit of a free spirit, dabbling in whatever captured my interest. I ultimately delved into printmaking, the last thing I thought I wanted to learn, which turned out to be a stroke of luck.

Currently, I'm focusing heavily on ceramics. Working with clay allows me to easily shape my characters into any form, and it offers a mindful, meditative process that I truly enjoy.

Is there a medium you haven’t yet worked with that you’d like to try in the future?

In the future, I'd love to integrate a laser cut machine into my studio. This would allow me to create custom tools and block print plates with precision. Another exciting prospect is upgrading my current kiln to handle higher temperatures and larger sizes. This would enable me to create even bigger and more intricate ceramic sculptures. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to see where these new tools could take my artistic journey.

I want to thank Nancy for taking the time to do this Q&A with us. You can find some of Nancy's available online and in the gallery. Click here to view the current selection.