My Creative Hero: Pina Bausch
María-Fernanda Quevedo is a multidisciplinary designer and visual artist from Costa Rica, now based in Brooklyn. With a BFA in fine art and a master’s in digital product design, she specialises in creating impactful design solutions. Her diverse skill set spans advertising, packaging, and graphic design. Outside of work, María Fernanda enjoys yoga, dance, nature documentaries, hiking, and exploring diverse cuisines.
LBB> Who would you say is your creative hero?
María-Fernanda> Among the many artists who have shaped my creative journey, one stands out as particularly influential: Pina Bausch, the innovative German dancer and choreographer. Her work has not just influenced me; it has utterly blown me away, making her a significant source of creative inspiration for me.
LBB> How long has this person been important to you and what are your first memories of meeting them or coming across their work?
María-Fernanda> My first encounter with Pina Bausch's work came during my freshman year of college when my roommate introduced me to the documentary 'Pina', directed by Wim Wenders. The film left me speechless, offering a first-hand look at her choreography and interviews with dancers from her company. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in performance art and contemporary dance.
LBB> Why is the person such an inspiration to you?
María-Fernanda> Bausch's work resonates deeply with me, partly due to my background in ballet. Having danced for 18 years, I've always appreciated the attention to detail required in this art form. While I never pursued professional ballet, I thoroughly enjoyed practicing and watching it. When I first saw Bausch's choreography, I was in awe of the raw emotions and trust the dancers shared while storytelling.
This awe intensified when I witnessed her work live at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. I saw a performance of 'Água', a piece created in 2001 and inspired by Brazil. Bausch's choreography explored complex human emotions and relationships, expressing authentic feelings on stage with incredible impact. Every aspect of the production was meticulously crafted, creating a true work of art.
LBB> How does this person influence you in your approach to your creative work?
María-Fernanda> For about a decade now, Pina Bausch has been a significant influence on my creative thinking. Her ability to blend elements of theatre and dance, creating a unique form of dance theatre, has challenged my perceptions of what's possible in artistic expression. Bausch's innovative approach to staging, often unconventional, has inspired me to think beyond traditional boundaries in my own creative endeavours.
Even though I currently focus on digital design work, the influence of Bausch and other creative heroes remains crucial to me. As we move into a world of digital products, I find myself drawn back to beauty, emotions, and innovations through different art forms.
These influences remind me to try new things, to embrace failure, to merge concepts, and to have fun while creating. In the sometimes mundane tasks of a design job, they reignite my passion and remind me that we can create beautiful and important things regardless of the medium.
While Pina Bausch holds a special place as my creative hero, my artistic journey has been enriched by a diverse array of influences.
From Ana Mendieta's powerful integration of body and nature to Georgia O'Keeffe's distinctive style, Justin Vernon's captivating music, and Jinkx Monsoon's versatile comedic performances, each artist has contributed uniquely to shaping my creative vision. These varied influences remind me that inspiration can come from unexpected places, and that true artistic growth involves continuously seeking out new perspectives and ideas.
As I continue on my creative path, I remain open to discovering new sources of inspiration. I believe that every experience, every piece of art, and every performance has the potential to spark creativity and push boundaries.
By embracing this mindset, I hope to keep evolving as an artist and designer, always ready to be inspired by the beauty and innovation that surrounds us in the world of art and beyond.
LBB> What piece or pieces of this person’s work do you keep coming back to and why?
María-Fernanda> 'Café Müller' (1978) is my favourite piece by Bausch because, like a great film, it reveals new details with each viewing. The distinctive stage setup, featuring tables and chairs, enriches the storytelling. This is one of the many pieces where Bausch evokes profound emotions through minimal yet powerful choreography.
