Alberto Ribera Ibargüen

Shannon Garson

Multimedia sculptor

©Alberto Ribera

Crafting inside the box

Alberto began in his father's atelier
He considers himself a self-taught artist
His work is his way of seeing the world

Alberto Ribera Ibargüen began designing furniture at the age of eight years old when he helped his father in his atelier. His work drifted towards architectural sculpture and later to natural design. He eventually inherited his father's workshop in Madrid and this opened up new spaces for Alberto to develop his work towards painting, design and sculpture. He considers himself scrupulous in his work. "For me, something well made is a piece that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but that has soul and communicates," he says. Today, Alberto works out of his workshop in Turégano. "I have had many important moments on my creative journey. From making furniture for a non-profit association helping the disabled, to selecting 12 of my pieces for a German collector. Recently joining Homo Faber Guide is a new challenge."

Where

Interview

©Alberto Ribera

©Alberto Ribera

Do innovation and tradition go well together in your work?: Working with natural materials from the earth is in itself a way of respecting and expressing local traditions. I tap into innovation in the different ways that I present my work, using modern materials and innovative techniques that I invent myself.
What do you enjoy most in your work?: I love having the feeling that creativity is infinite. My works are not static models, they evolve according to the seasons, the changing colours of the countryside and with my needs for expression.
How do you see people react to your work?: Some, because of my background, believe that my work is industrial and not handcrafted. But each of my pieces is developed individually and designed in a unique and unrepeatable way. No two pieces are ever the same.
Is there anything you want to transmit to the younger generation?: I think it is important for young people to respect the environment and be aware of the challenges ahead. All of this can be transferred to art and craftsmanship. I think young people now are lucky because art is more respected and they have many opportunities.

Alberto Ribera Ibargüen is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1985