#SpillingTheTea - with Miguel Sopena

For the fourth interview in this new series, we went underground, into the basement studios of Miguel Sopena. Originally from Valencia, Miguel is (mostly!) an abstract artist who has a solid track record of exhibiting in both solo and group shows.

How did you get started as an artist?

Well, it’s not been a typical journey – if such a thing exists?! Growing up, becoming an artist would never have been considered a viable career path so my focus was always on science and academia. I did my first degree in Spain then moved to the UK to do an MSc in Physics and then a PhD in theoretical Physics at Sussex University. Whilst I enjoyed aspects of the PhD, I was becoming increasingly aware that the typical next step (which was likely to be a research role abroad) was not something I wanted to pursue. It was a stressful time - realising everything I’d been working towards wasn’t actually what I wanted. I found solace in drawing and painting – something I’d always been nervous (and never encouraged) to try. I started going to a few evening life drawing classes in Brighton and took part in some more intensive workshops over the holidays. It was very therapeutic in helping me work through my thoughts.

What brought you to Croydon?

Whilst I was doing my PhD, (encouraged by the enjoyment I found doing evening classes) I enrolled on a 2 year (part time) Art and Design Foundation BTEC at Brighton City College (now Brighton MET). It was a very hands-on course (especially compared to my doctorate!) and gave me huge insight into different art mediums and techniques. I don’t know what happened, but it woke something up in me and I realised (much to the concern of friends and family!) that this was what I wanted to spend my life doing. On completion of the course, I decided I wanted to focus on traditional oil painting and the human figure and so in 2015, I started a 2-year, Portraiture Diploma at Heatherleys School of Fine Art. I moved to Croydon because it was so well connected and an easy commute to school (thanks to East Croydon station). Then in 2017, I realised I needed a much bigger space to work from and so got my studio here at Turf.

How would you describe your work to someone who hasn't seen it before?

I always struggle with this question. To me, it’s so dependent on what I’m working on at the time. Initially, I saw myself as a figurative artist as I had obviously studied portraiture. But nowadays, I tend to do more abstract pieces using bold colours and texture. I know it’s important to be able to categorise yourself so people can get a better sense of who you are and what your work is about, so (as much as it pains me to put myself in a box!) for the most part I would say I’m an abstract oil painter that explores themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time.

What influences your work?

It’s hard to know quite what influences a person, as it often happens subconsciously. In Spain, there is a tradition of materiality – many of our great Twentieth Century artists worked with textures – so perhaps on some level, exposure to this from an early age has had an influence on my work. I really enjoy learning about art history and I try and see a mixture of both the big key exhibitions as well as smaller, private ones. These may also have an impact on my work – especially in terms of trends and themes. It’s hard to keep up with everything – but I won’t complain, I feel very lucky to have such easy access to incredible art culture in London. I know some artists express their emotions very directly and literally through their work, whereas I don't think that happens as visibly with mine. That being said, my process is usually quite instinctive and visceral and can feel very emotional. I let my pieces become what they want to become. What’s essential to me is to connect with the viewer on an emotional level rather than an intellectual one.

What are the biggest challenges for you as an artist?

Hmm, well I will start by saying, it’s an absolute privilege to have the freedom to be doing what I love. But it comes with its own pressures. Working alone requires a lot of self-motivation and self-confidence. It’s hard to get feedback in a solo environment but equally, any feedback I do get is subjective. What one person loves, another could hate - so it’s really hard to know how to take it. It’s very easy for me to get too much into my own head about things. I used to write a lot to try and work things out, but I’ve realised how important it is to just do something. To not be afraid to get started and experiment with an initial idea. Ultimately, I can’t think a painting into life! I also find marketing myself and self-promotion quite stressful and it’s tricky to know which opportunities will be worthwhile.

Where do you sell your work?

In some ways, the digital revolution has made selling artwork easier and more democratic, but in other ways, the amount of options can feel overwhelming and make it harder to stand out. Galleries have always been difficult to get into and they often focus on trends, so if your work doesn’t fit into that category, your chances are limited. Even if you do get accepted to be shown with a gallery, they are notorious for taking huge commissions (the industry standard is 50%). So far, the majority of my sales have been through Online Galleries like Saatchi Art and DegreeArt, as well as some private sales to people who know my work from seeing it in Exhibitions. In September, I’ll be taking part in two Art Fairs – which is not something I’ve done before and I’m looking forward to the experience.

How has Croydon shaped your artistic journey?

The main thing for me has been being based here at Turf. The team have been very supportive and are good at keeping me updated on what is going on across the Borough and opportunities that might be available. For example, as we were coming out of lockdown, I took part in some free marketing training funded by the Creative Enterprise Zone. That was what led me to set up my profile on the Croydon Creative Directory (which is how I assume you found me!) I often join the life drawing sessions run at Matthews Yard – which are great as they force you to put pen to paper and stop overthinking. I was excited to be one of the five artists chosen for the Creative Croydon outdoor gallery run by Croydon BID and the Croydonist during Borough of Culture. This annual exhibition sees local artists create artwork that is displayed on over 40 lamp post banners across Croydon Town Centre. I have also been featured on Croydonist a few times.

Is Croydon a good place to live and work as an artist?

Yes – but there is much more that could be done! I would like to see more galleries and art trails. Turf holds regular open studios and groups shows of work by Turf-based artists, which are great, but it would be brilliant if these were coordinated with other organisations in the Borough and promoted jointly. I was so excited about Croydon being Borough of Culture but to be honest, (aside from the outdoor gallery) I didn’t find as many ways to get involved as I had hoped. I’m hearing talk about legacy from Borough of Culture and believe Turf are involved in aspects of that so I’m hopeful of more things to come. From what I can see, there is a huge amount of investment coming into our area and it would be amazing if some of that helped promote the creative sector. For example, it would be great if the work of Croydon-based artists found its way into the new residential and commercial developments.

What are you working on at the moment/in 2024?

I have two art fairs coming up – Roy’s Art Fair at Bargehouse (behind the Oxo Tower on the Southbank) and Forge Art Fair at London Lighthouse gallery (a smaller gallery space located on London City Island near Stratford). So if anyone reading this fancies a day out from Croydon, come visit me !

What future opportunities are you looking into?

I am exploring new and fun ideas like working with interior designers and art agencies. Currently my portfolio includes artworks in all different sizes priced from £300 to £5000 and many of my customers are first time buyers, keen to make their mark on their new home. I have recently started working with art rental schemes too – whereby property owners/management teams hire artworks on a short-term basis. They (and their residents) benefit from regular new artwork in the building, while the artists benefit from a hire fee (and the potential sales from a resident purchase). For example, I have just placed a piece through one of these schemes with Lime Kiln, which is a beautiful private events venue in rural Sussex. And again, with all the new residential and commercial buildings in Croydon, I feel strongly that there is a great opportunity here for businesses and the local creative community to work together.

For more information about Miguel, visit www.miguelsopenaarts.com

Further info:

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