Featured Artist: Belen Gasquet | by Falyn Hunter Morningstar | September 2024

Belén Gasquet is a Spanish artist whose work is deeply inspired by the stories of people, including those from her own family. These narratives, filled with wisdom and rich experiences, serve as the fuel for her creativity. Her art seeks to capture the past and the unique moments that individuals carry with them, reflecting everything they have seen and lived. In Vancouver, her mission is to help people remember where they come from and how they have arrived at their present, ensuring that their memories endure. Each piece she creates is a sincere reflection of their essence and history, a tribute to their life experiences and inner world.

Could you elaborate on the narrative of your artistic journey, detailing your transition from Spain to Canada and the key moments that led you to pursue this artistic path?

“I was born in a small Mediterranean town called Denia, a place where I grew up surrounded by the warmth of my family—three little houses sharing the same plot of land, where life flowed between laughter and the scent of my grandmother’s cooking. From a young age, I was always an old soul, fascinated by my grandfather’s stories of post war Spain and a youth lived without smartphones but filled with authentic experiences. The adventures of my mother’s friends, who over time became part of our family, were also an endless source of inspiration. My mind wandered through their tales, dreaming of far-off and unknown worlds. The desire to discover those worlds, to meet people with stories as rich as those I grew up hearing, led me to cross the ocean. I chose Vancouver, a vibrant city, a melting pot of cultures and experiences that represents an infinite source of wisdom and inspiration for me. Here, my horizons expanded, and my judgments faded. The possibility of bringing my art and the stories I paint to every corner of the world is the realization of a dream. Moving to Vancouver has been more than just a change of residence; it’s been a journey of discovering incredible stories and transforming them into art.”

What are the most significant ideas or lessons you've learned during your time as an artist, and how do they enrich and inform your personal life?

“The biggest lessons I’ve learned as an artist come from the people I’ve met and what they’ve added to my story. Art has taught me that listening and observing are essential. When someone shares their story, I pay attention not only to what they say but also to what they don’t say. For example, someone might talk about losing a loved one, but the wrinkles on their cheeks tell me about the laughter they shared with them. Or they describe their travels along the Italian coast, and I see a sunspot on their skin that remains from those days. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that everyone carries a story, filled with good and bad moments, which makes them who they are. Listening and observing are the greatest sources of wisdom one can have. The greatest gift this journey has given me is confidence in myself. If you believe in what you do, if you do it because it comes from your heart and it fulfills you, then you’re on the right path. Art isn’t just about technique; it’s about authenticity. When you put everything you have into what you create, the result will always be genuine, and that’s what truly connects with people.”

Could you explain the evolution of your current artistic style?

“My mother was a florist, and she filled our home with paintings of flowers and natural landscapes that I made, but something inside me always longed for more. Although those paintings were beautiful, I felt they lacked the depth I was seeking—I needed to find my own style. The search for a style as an artist is a long journey. I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember, exploring countless ideas and techniques, but none seemed to fully capture what I wanted to express. Experimentation is vital because it’s in that search that one finds their true purpose. For me, this process was organic, as if the pieces of a puzzle finally came together. The fusion of my personality and my story with my art happened unexpectedly when a friend of my mother commissioned a work from me—the largest I had done up to that point. Although she provided inspiration, I didn’t know what to put on the canvas. I obsessed over the idea until, suddenly, a spark ignited: I needed to portray her life. Thanks to the freedom she gave me and the trust she placed in me, I was able to embark on the wonderful adventure of telling her life story through art. At that moment, I realized that my artistic mission was to capture the essence of people—their stories, their struggles, and triumphs—and bring them to life. That’s how I found my true style.”

What drives your choice of color palettes?

“Colors have a special power to convey emotions, and I love experimenting with them in my works. Each color palette is an opportunity to express what words sometimes fail to communicate. A wide variety of colors can convey energy, while more subdued tones can transmit peace. Recently, I’ve been working with earthy tones, seeking that natural harmony that connects you with nature. My works stand out for their rich combination of colors, reflecting how life is full of different shades: moments of joy, sadness, laughter, and tears. Each painting tells a story, and the palette I choose is meant to capture and share the emotion I want to convey. By exploring different colors, I aim to offer a visual experience that invites the viewer to connect with the story behind each piece.”

In your experience of telling stories through your art, is there a particular story or theme that you find exceptionally memorable or impactful?

“I’ve been fortunate to meet people whose lives have been true adventures, marked by unimaginable challenges and moments of pain that they’ve turned into eternal lessons. One story that I’ve portrayed in my art and that deeply touched me is that of a child who crossed the world alone without knowing anything about his family. Forced to escape a devastated country, his innocence was shaken by chaos. Yet, instead of falling into despair, this child became a luminous, generous being, full of gratitude. Over time, I met his family—people who, despite bearing enormous losses, hold on to life with generosity and gratitude toward those around them. This story taught me that, even when the past could have plunged them into sadness, they’ve turned it into strength, reminding me that each day is a gift and that our attitude defines whether we choose to live with joy or sorrow. Another story that has shaped my perspective is that of my grandparents. They lived through the harsh post war period in Spain, a time when scarcity was the norm. However, despite having so little, they were always happy with what they had. My grandfather, at just 11 years old, would walk kilometers carrying blocks of ice on his back to deliver them to a woman who, in return, gave him a piece of bread soaked in wine. For him, this simple gesture was a precious memory, a lesson about the true wealth that lies in generosity and gratitude for the little one has. These experiences fill my heart and teach me to value the small details in life, like the simple fact of having food and water— things we take for granted today, but which can be the most meaningful memories of our lives.”

Could you describe your methodology for bringing people’s life stories to life on canvas? What processes do you follow, from the initial photo capture to the finalization of the painting?

“The life portraits begin when someone decides to share their story with me. Through an email, I receive a summary of the narrative and the desired dimensions. I work in medium or large formats, as these allow me to capture all the nuances and important details. Once the budget is accepted, we embark on a journey of discovery. Getting to know the significant moments, preferences, and experiences of their loved ones is key to creating a truly special painting. I relate these moments to objects, smells, tastes, and places, transforming memories into a unique work of art. We’ll choose a color palette that reflects the essence of their story. The final result is revealed at the end of the process, allowing me to maintain creative freedom and emotional impact. We can meet in person or via video call. I encourage them to bring photos, tickets, objects, or important notes. After our chats, they send me the photos, and I provide them with a document with questions to complete the details. Every detail in the painting is a part of that person’s story, with each brushstroke and color meticulously chosen to reflect the essence and experiences of their life.”

How can collectors and enthusiasts get in touch with you, and are you currently open to accepting commissions?

“I’m currently delighted to accept new commissions for my custom paintings. The estimated wait time is approximately two months from the first payment. This period may vary slightly depending on the workload at the time—if there’s a waiting list—but once the commission is accepted, the production time remains consistent. The only variable is the time it takes to start the commission.”

“To contact me, you can do so through my website , send me a direct message on Instagram, or email me at belgasquet@gmail.com. Once we begin the process, we can communicate directly through my personal number or in the way that’s most convenient for you. If you have any questions or simply want to share a beautiful story with me, don’t hesitate to send me an email. I’m here to listen and help bring your story to life.”