Interview with Domènec Fita, Painter and Sculptor

Conducted by © Rocío Heredia

¿Would you tell us about how early did you discover your talent and when did you decide to become a fulltime artist?
Since I was a kid. It was the evaluation of my works from people, friends and teachers. In fact, I didn't decide to become an artist, I just got into it.

Did your parents give you the encouragement you needed? Where there other artists in your family?
I don't know anything about my family.

What is your formal background?
I started studying Art with Joan Carrera, then I studied in Escola d´Arts i Oficis d´Olot, and at last I got a degree in Escola de Belles Arts de Sant Jordi in Barcelona.

Would you give us your personal definition of Art?
I think Art is creation, not imitation.

Were there any artist(s) or mentors perhaps, whom in particular influenced you in your career?
My teachers and most of the artists of the XXth century, depending on "the message" of my works.

What is the inspiration behind your Artworks? Where do you find the muse inspiring your work?
Not any in particular. Various, depending on the media, technique. The muse is the work in it self.

Female subject seems to play an important theme in your work. What do women mean to you in relation to Art making?
In my opinion, the female attraction is a good artistic motive.

You are not only an artist, you are an Art historian. How do you think history has influenced your work?
The past is a background, this treasure is a point to start off.

How does the public play a role in your creative endeavor? What do you expect people can learn and feel when they see your artworks?
When I work, I always try to have on my mind the public. Then they, the public, may react with affinity or with indifference.

Master Fita, you are one of the most prolific Artists of the Contemporary generation in your Country. You work several mediums and techniques such as painting, sculpture, drawing, etching, pottery, etc. I'm tempted to ask you which one satisfies the most your core and why?
All mediums are interesting. And I hope to develop new ones.

Which artistic, cultural and political movements have you been influencing you the most?
I think all the artistic movements of the XXth century.

Please, define your style. How have you elaborated your very unique style to the state of the Art? And how would you define the obvious evolution in your style from the very beginning of your artistic career since now?
I try not to have a particular style. The evolution is a consequence of new points of view.

How do you define Religious Art? Do you consider that religion and your spiritual faith can be considered the foundation of your Art to some extent?
Religious art is a service. I've got a topic, a place, a point of view, a function and I've to give this value.

I'm tempted to ask about the recurrence of your self portrait as the core of your work. What do you try to depict in your self portraits?
It is the easiest model and so it is easier to experiment with it.

All of us build our life from personal experiences. May I ask how your experience in 1953 affected your work? I myself work in spite of a visual deficit, and was wondering how your health problems have affected your creativity.
Life is a gift. I think that the words that defines it better is: to be born again and again, every day. The result of my accident has been a lot of work.

How did you enhance your strength and get re-inspired after these events?
Just working and working hard.

How has your wife Mrs. Angela Rodeja influenced you in your work?
She's been basic; in fact she's still.

You've always had a strong interest in both creating Art and teaching. Do you think that your experience of receiving formal education from Masters such as Joan Carrera was the origin of your desire to became an Art Teacher?
Pedagogic interest comes because there are many people interested in learning and there's lot to teach.

Can you tell us why do you consider so important to share your knowledge with the young artists? Does teaching give you the same pleasure as creating or are they different experiences?
It's not easy to teach how to look at reality and it requires many attention.

What does it require for a talented person to become a genuine artist?
Just to be free and creative.

You have been creating Art for over 60 years. What is your most significant work to date?
What I'm working on right now and I hope tomorrow's work will also get my interest.

Which are the most meaningful events in your career that you look back at with satisfaction and pride?
As my career is large it's my whole work and my own evolution that fill me with pride.

You created The Fita Foundation. Would you summarize the purpose(s) of this foundation and in terms of the future, what do you see for your artistic heritage?
The main purpose is to preserve and to diffuse my works and also to be useful by helping young artists.

How many people are currently are working on this project?
Three institutions: Diputació de Girona, Generalitat de Catalunya and Ajuntament de Girona. And some individual members called Patrons.

Which advice would you give to young promising artists?
They must always work, make an effort and never stop.

What is in the present of Master Domènec Fita? Do you have current projects you wish to present here?
I'm working on the flower topic. I'm using drawing, carving and a new technique.

Is there a book summarizing your way of thinking and your Artworks?
No impossible. I should give you a very long list of books.

Finally, How do you feel you have been blessed personally from embracing the life of an Artist?
Knowing that I've got the freedom to work and to be passionate about it at the same time.

Copyright Note: Interview © May 2002 Rocío Heredia. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is forbidden. Originally published on BTDesign Art Gallery. Banners by Barbara Tampieri © BTDesign Art Gallery. All Rights Reserved. Throughout this website all images, text files, or other material is all copyrighted by Rocio Heredia and/or named authors, and may not be used elsewhere on the net, within other websites, or in print, without the written permission of the site owner and/or author. For express permission to copy articles, please contact us.