Local Artist: Rosario López

By James Hutton on May 19, 2021 in People

Chile’s finest export.

Introducing local artist Rosario López, also known as Rosa, who moved from Chile to Bondi eight years ago, fell in love with the joint and never looked back…

How long have you lived here? It’s been a bit over eight years now.

Why do you live here? I came from Chile with my husband for work, thinking we would stay one or two years, but we fell in love with this place.

What’s your favourite beach? Bondi of course! But I also like Tama or Bronte, especially on busier days.

What’s your favourite eatery? I love the Halloumi Burger from The Shop, the prawn corrientazo from El Indio and the fish pie from Brown Sugar.

Where do you like to have a drink? For coffee, definitely La Piadina (best coffee in the world) and for something a bit stronger it could be The Shop or the Beach Road Hotel (which is just across the road).

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Its beaches, the surf vibes, coffee, coastal walks and stunning landscapes.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? There’s not much in the way of cultural spaces. It would be great to have more galleries, live music or art studios.

How would you describe your art? I use figurative objects like people or ordinary elements to create a realistic atmosphere with unknown backgrounds so the viewer can create their own representation. In my abstract art, I create a peaceful and balanced image with minimal objects using pastel and dark colours, facilitating the connection between the art piece and the spectator.

Where can people see your work? At www.rosalopezart.com or on Instagram @rosalopezart.

Who are your artistic inspirations? I like David Hockney’s work, an illustrator called Lauren Nassef and the compositions of Francis Bacon.

Any other local artists to look out for? Marisa Purcell, Mat Hooker and Claudia Miranda.

What are you working on at the moment? I am in a different artistic process right now. I am experimenting with plain colour bases, intervened with big brush strokes, straight lines and geometric structures. I am exploring constructions with less elements and understanding how, by reducing images and colours, new realities can appear.

Did you study art? Yes, I studied Fine Arts in Santiago de Chile. It was the most exciting and beautiful career that I could ever do.

When did you discover you had a gift for your craft? Since I was six years old. I used to be very distracted at school, doing drawings in my school books instead of paying much attention. One day I found a prism on the floor at school and I would spend the day looking through the prism and seeing all the objects repeated many times. That definitely triggered my admiration for objects, light and aesthetics.

Any words of wisdom for young aspiring artists? To be very methodical and consistent with their work, and not trying to be anyone but themselves.

Who is your favourite person? I would say it’s my mum. She is the most positive, resilient, happy and strong person I know.

What do you get up to on the weekends? I usually do the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, barbie with friends, have an outside lunch, or if it’s raining I visit a museum or gallery and have a hot ramen in Newtown.

What music are you into at the moment? I am into indie, rock, pop and a few old bands like Belle and Sebastian, Talking Heads and Pulp.

What do you do for work? I spend most of my time on my art projects. I have an incipient apparel brand called Carryboo Australia (I’m in charge of the creative, social media and photo content) and I love children, so I also look after these gorgeous kids a couple of times a week.

What’s your favourite thing about work? My freedom, the lack of routine and all the dreams and possibilities that I have by using my creativity.

Do you have a favourite quote? One thing that my parents taught me and my school always repeated as a mantra was, “If you do something, even if it’s a scrambled egg, do it the best way you can.” I try following this.

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Be kind, eat yummy and healthy food, spend time with your family and friends and keep yourself active! Live life with no regrets.