Artist Spotlight: Ursa-Noelle Gil

Name: Ursa-Noelle Gil

City: Paris, France

Birthplace: Miami

Artistic Medium: I’m crazy about clay; Ceramics, Polymer Clay, Precious Metal Clay, etc. I’ll work with anything clay, fabric or paper, anything that I can shape and manipulate with my bare hands.

How did you get started?
For as long as I remember, I’ve always had a piece of clay in my hands. My mother is a sculptor. When I was younger she would give classes here in Miami and in Paris, France. She would hand me a lump of clay to keep me busy while she taught. I loved it so much that I would just create.

Who or what are your influences?
Art Deco figurative sculptures, Art Deco jewelry. I was influenced by Alphonse Mucha, fairy tales, mermaids, Edgar Degas, Tim Burton and Terry Gilliam.

What inspires your work?
My inspirations are quite random. I might see a color on someone’s shirt that I like or an octopus on the Discovery Channel. They’re just that random. Sculpting is just something that I have to do. When I’m not able to do it as often as I would like, I tend to get really depressed. I have to constantly create.

How does Miami/South Florida influence your work?
Miami’s influence on my artwork is not literal; it’s very subtle. I don’t make little clay flamingos, palm trees and stuff like that. I’m mesmerized by the tropical colors. South Florida is filled with so many bright vibrant colors. For instance, I might take the intense reds, yellows, blues and purples of the enchanting sunsets and incorporate them in a necklace.

How would you describe your work?
I’m uncomfortable labeling my work because it might destroy other people’s perception of what I do. I want people to look at my work with an open mind. Art means different things to different people.

What has been the most unusual reaction to your work from the public?
Two years ago I was working at Art Basel. I brought some clay with me and sculpted on my lunch break. By the end of the day, I had made a complete human figure. When it was time for me to leave for the evening, I was detained by security and accused of stealing artwork for the convention Center. I had to get witnesses to testify that it was indeed my work, produced on the spot.

What would you like to achieve as an artist?
Lately I’ve been making jewelry because I want to make the wearer of my work feel beautiful. A good-looking necklace is like a frame for your face. If worn right, it will accentuate your best features. I want people to use my art and enjoy wearing it. When you wear a piece of art, it transforms you into a piece of art too. I want to make living art, I guess.

Where is your work available?
I’m currently seeking representation, but anyone interested in my work can call 305-756-7975.

If you are an artist and would like to be a part of Artist Spotlight, contact Mary Damiano at StarrWriter2000@aol.com