Rosa Beiroa is a talented Spanish filmmaker and artist based in London. With a Fine Arts background, she has been a practising artist since 2008. In her work she explores movement and gesture as a core, using the human body and elements from reality to interpret the workings of the subconscious mind. Photographer Nirish Shakya shoot her in action in her studio with her muses Georgia and Sabine. And we wanted to know more about Rosa and talked with her about creating for living, social media in the creative arts industry and the role that women and human body play in her craft. Behind the scenes video filmed by Dan.
When did you know that art was your calling?
I have been drawing since I can remember. As a child, I used to spend hours and hours drawing, making portraits of my family members and creating comic strips inspired by conversations or situations in the house (I guess this must have been annoying for my family). I left the comic strips aside but continued drawing and painting as I grew older. I never questioned what my calling was; it seems it was always clear want I wanted to do was art. Even now, I don’t imagine myself doing anything else.
And why do you think art is important for people’s lives?
I think art helps us to connect with each other. It is a form of expression that reaches us all in one way or another.
Explain the role that women and human body play in your craft?
Women are the inspiration and the element through which I tell stories or convey feelings with my work. Whether in painting, drawing or animation, I try to show the beauty of being a woman, and use the human body to express a range of emotions.
How important is social media in the creative arts industry as well for you personally?
I think social media is very useful for creatives; it is a constant showcase and a perfect way for people to discover your work. I get most of my work through social media; however, I try to stay away from it on a personal level; I find social media somewhat overwhelming!
“I try to show the beauty of being a woman, and use the human body to express a range of emotions.”
Unfortunately the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic significantly also impacted the art and culture industry community. How has this all transformed your daily life?
During the first weeks (or months) of this situation, I didn’t think much about my personal practice. My creativity levels were relatively low, and the social pressure for staying active, connected and productive had the opposite effect on me. However, I have felt at ease about it, I have focused on commercial work and commissions which have been keeping me busy. It feels like during this time; people have found a new appreciation for art which I am so grateful for.
How do you separate creating for a living, and creating for joy?
It is hard for me to separate creating for a living, from creating in a more personal level. I try to dedicate certain days of the week for each one, but the line in between the two is always a bit blurry. When working on client projects, I am fortunate I can create in my style, and I usually have rather creative freedom which lets me enjoy all these projects as my own.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I would love to carry on working in animation, and I am sure I will always be connected to the creative industry in some way.
For now, next to Rafa Prada and Alita Serra, I am working on expanding Made Abroad, and fully turning it into an animation collective. This is taking a lot of time and effort, but I am very excited to see it growing, getting more people on board, and with all the amazing projects that are coming our way.
Photographer: Nirish Shakya @nizzah,nizzah.com
Artist: Rosa Beiroa @rosabeiroa, www.rosabeiroa.com
Muses: @georgiaintheflowers, @sabinekhabiri
Behind the scenes video: Dan @lxstart lxst.art
