Joel Llopis: Sculptor of Emotions and Nature’s Whispers

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The artist at work. The photograph is from the artist’s archive.

Born in Menorca, Joel Llopis is a sculptor whose work is deeply influenced by the sea and the legends surrounding it. From a young age, Llopis has been connected to the sea, observing his father and family, many of whom were fishermen. These experiences and stories, passed down through generations, have left an indelible mark on his creative process. When creating sculptures, Llopis looks inward to discover who he is and what he wants to convey, allowing the emotions of his childhood to flow naturally into his work. For him, both the sea and sculpture serve a similar purpose: they are means to purge and channel feelings that need to be expressed.

Regarding the techniques and materials he prefers, Llopis primarily uses clay. Although he has briefly experimented with other materials, he is captivated by the speed with which he can achieve volume and the freshness of the gestures he can create with clay. The different states of the clay as it dries allow him to refine his work or simply play with it. Once the sculpture is complete, he makes a mold and creates copies in acrylic resin or bronze, enabling him to bring his creations to life in various formats.

Artist at work
Tears of Mermaid
Lucrecia
Neptuno
Throughout his career, Llopis has managed to materialize emotions and feelings in his sculptures, imbuing them with a sense of soul. His work reflects a unique blend of beauty and the scars left by time, conveying tenderness through rough, worn, or eroded features. This contrast is a hallmark of his artistic expression, allowing viewers to connect with the deeper emotions embedded in his pieces.

Among his notable projects is a ceramic mural titled P41, created for the Hotel Arts in collaboration with Inocuo thesign. He also crafted a bronze bust for the CETT Foundation, honoring Mr. Gaspar Espuña. These projects showcase his ability to blend artistic vision with practical applications, further establishing his reputation in the art community.

Currently, Joel Llopis serves as a professor in the Sculpture program at the Barcelona Academy of Art. Through teaching, he shares his passion and knowledge with aspiring artists, guiding them in exploring their creative processes and developing their unique styles.

In summary, Joel Llopis is not just a sculptor; he is a storyteller who uses his art to evoke emotions and connect with the viewer’s inner experiences. His work stands as a testament to the beauty of nature and the complexities of human feelings, making him a significant figure in contemporary sculpture.

Photo credits: The photographs are from the artist’s archive.