After exhibiting extensively in his native Chile and North America, Casasempere moved to London, bringing with him 12-tonnes of his own clay mixture; a feat confirming his long obsession with his identity and his deep-seated concern for the environment, a common theme seen throughout his work.
We are thrilled to be collaborating with Fernando for the public art piece at Soho Place W1.
1. A good studio for an artist is vital; why did you choose this space?
It is indeed fundamental to have a good studio. I chose this space because it ticked all the boxes for my practical requirements, and it was a place I could have the silence to think and to create. I am lucky enough to have a space that is sufficiently large to feel comfortable in for each step of the process in creating my pieces.
2. How have you made your studio your own?
Well, it happened organically. First, it was an empty space, then gradually it filled up with my pieces. The main changes were around the year 2000 when I "discovered" the wheel; this changed my studio completely. Everything (except the workbenches) are on wheels - all the plinths, the buckets where I make the clay, the shelves etc. It creates a fluid and mobile space. It allows me to create empty spaces for each new project.
3. You must spend a lot of time in your studio; how do you ensure you stay inspired?
From my view, the key element to remaining inspired is spending a long time there. Even if I go and I don't do much - I am there thinking, in silence - looking at, reviewing and planning my pieces and refining the ideas on which I am working. The act of going to the studio and passing the time there maintains my inspiration.
