Hotel Estla's resident artist Josep Puigmarti is a very interesting man indeed. Whilst working on the streets as an artist in Sitges the owner of the Hotel Estela was intrigued by his passion and dedication. As a result the owner offered Puigmarti a permanent residency along with studio and accomodation for a lifetime.

We jumped at the chance for him to tell us about his work and influences and the motivation that drives this 77 year old man to keep on painting and creating.

Are you self taught or did you have any formal training?

Yes, I am  self taught. I have never been to school, my training comes from doing painting and observing other artist.

How long have you been resident in the Hotel? 

16 years, Estela is my home. 

What are your influences?

I come from a tiny village in Spain and was born in 1932, we were very poor and art was not available for us. My father painted houses for wealthy people, I would go along with him and would be captivated by the paintings that hung on the walls. The only thing I did at this point was dream of painting and then movies became a big influence.

What process do you use?

I learned technique by experimenting and playing with color and laquer and eventually began to master the materials. I have even worked with fire and smoke and continue trying new processes. I am very much leaning towards sculpture at the moment and working on new bodies of work for my show in Dubai and Sweden and continuing to produce work here at the hotel.

What is your favorite medium ?

Drawing, it comes very natural and I never know what will happen, I just put pen to paper. Of course I continue to paint in a similar spontaneous way. 

Who do you admire?

Picasso, Rembrandt and Goya.

What do you love?

Blonde women.

What would you like to be remembered for?

For my work and as a good man. I like all people very much and wish for people to find happiness in their lives now no matter what age and not have to wait until they are 77 to be content. 

If you didn't create what would you do?

I would die with a pencil in my hand.

Richard Scarry and The Chipster

 The young Puigmarti

Work from his time in Los Angeles, late 80's 

And of course one of the joys of doing blogs is that they draw and sign their books for you.