The Studio

Interview with artist Daniela Kovačić Muzio —

Daniela Kovačić Muzio
Daniela is one of ten 2019 The Bennett Prize Finalists. The winner will be announced at the opening exhibition on May 2, 2019 at the Muskegon (Michigan) Museum of Art. See all ten finalists here: https://thebennettprize.org/finalists-2019

1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Daniela Kovačić. I am a Chilean artist and I paint and teach.

“The Knowledge”

2. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an artist?
I don’t remember a beginning. I always wanted to be an artist. However, I do remember a recurring game from when I was little: I would doodle on the floor of my house and I would pretend I was on the street trying to sell my ‘art’ and it would always be a failure, but it didn’t matter because I was so happy just drawing. The funny thing is that it was all my imagination, so I might as well of imagined a better outcome.

“SojournerII”

3. What are your favorite art works and artists?
I like so many artists and their work but I couldn’t pick a specific piece of art. Assuming that we all appreciate many of the old masters, I will name some contemporary artists I admire: Zoe Frank, Irene Cuadrado, Antonio Lopez, Golucho, Nicolás Uribe.

4. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
It is in their faces and the way they look at your work. Sometimes a truthful thank you comes out. The way some people stare, not like critics or investors, just with raw emotion, that would be the best spontaneous response. However, there is also the long lasting response from someone that keeps on finding you to see what you have done over the time. That is beautiful too.

“The Prayer”

5. What do you like about your work?
It is very difficult for me to feel fulfilled by my paintings. I am a hard critic of my work. I aim to achieve something quite, strong and simple but it is hard to get all that together. I am satisfied when I see that the light is actually traveling and bouncing across each form within the painting.

“DanielaII”

6. What advise would you give to other artists?
I don’t even know what advise I would give to myself. There are so many people telling you how to be an artist, the dos and don’ts, whole books written about it. The truth for me is that there is no formula, except for don’t give up. You have to be a little stubborn and be constantly working.

“The Window”

7. Where do you see your self in 5 to 10 years?
What I want the most is to conquer my own work. I hope I could reach that in 10 years and if that happens I guess the other good things will come along.

Daniela Kovačić Muzio

LINKS —

Website:  www.daniela-kovacic.com
Instagram:  @kovacicart
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kovacicmuzio

Artist’s Bio:
Daniela Kovacić Muzio (b. 1983) is a figurative painter born and raised in the Chilean Patagonia (Punta Arenas) and is currently working in the Chicagoland area. Her work explores different topics around self-identity, largely through the depiction of women and children, and has been exhibited and published internationally. She has a master’s degree from the New York Academy of Art and a bachelor’s degree from Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile. Daniela has received prestigious awards and scholarships such as the Fulbright, Becas Chile, Robert Gamblin Painting Award, NYAA scholarships and the Giverny Residency.
Kovacic resides in Evanston, Illinois.

Lisa Freeman

Lisa Freeman is an Arts Illustrated’s Correspondent, representing the United Kingdom.
Lisa is also a Public Relations Director for – Quite Great PR & Marketing in Cambridge.