Following on from the performance of ‘Penitent I’ in El Pinell de Brai for the inauguration of ‘Ermita 2.0’ touring exhibitions, I was interviewed by Catalunya Radio about why and how I ended up living and practising my art here in Riba-roja d’Ebre.
Here’s the full interview with other artists in the same position, overlaid by various images of my artwork.
There is an English translation below of the intro, my responses and the final comment.
‘Today, the regional road will tour the southern part of the county. We will visit towns like El Perelló, Benifallet and Riba-roja d’Ebre. We traverse the Terres de l’Ebre to meet foreign artists who, after traveling the world, have chosen to settle in remote farmhouses and villages in the region. We will gradually discover what they have found there and what their motivations are. Wine and art have always been good friends, and this region, Terra Alta, is a magnificent example. Let’s go to El Pinell de Brai. We don’t want to be late for the performance by Sarah Misselbrook, the English artist who inaugurates the project “Ermita 2.0,” in an effort to bring contemporary art to small villages in the area. The bells chime, and the performance begins.’
“People have a stronger connection to the artwork in a more rural or isolated village. It’s not ordinary, so there’s always a stronger bond.” (SM)
‘Ten years ago, Sarah traded Cyprus for a farmhouse near Riba-roja d’Ebre, in Ribera d’Ebre, where she hosts artistic residencies for a month in the village. A coworking space keeps her connected to the world in her workshop with dead animal bones, olive charcoal powder for drawing, and stones and more stones.’
“This region is a source of inspiration. The culture, the people, the traditions. And to work so close to nature.” (SM)
‘The landscape, the quality of life, the low real estate prices. Spiritual and pragmatic motivations. The newcomers have networked with local artists, and stories like those of Pol, Vanessa, or Sarah are becoming more common in every corner, no matter how small, of the Terres de l’Ebre.’
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