Enrique De Lucas Tortajada

Wood sculptor | Toledo, Spain

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EOI - Fundesarte

From mud to 3D modelling

Enrique likes to mix multiple materials and techniques
The craftsmanship of Toledo, Spain, deeply inspires his work
He recently specialised in 3D modelling

Enrique de Lucas Tortajada is a master of many fields, including wood and stone carving, who works in restoration, creation and design. His journey started many years ago when he was a child building nativity scenes with the mud he found next to his home. His creative passion led him to enroll in Toledo School of Arts at the age of 14. These days he is always seeking to develop his work, enriching it with knowledge from within his domain and outside of it. Over the past few years he has specialised in digital sculptures which integrate both contemporary 3D technology and traditional methods of production.

Interview

What did you do when you left school?: I spent many years teaching carving techniques and design in different art schools and vocational training centres. I also organised many exhibitions and participated in design and craft contests. Otherwise, I worked in the restoration of patrimonial and historical works and sites.
What area do you specialise in now?: I’m not sure! I try to specialise in many areas, using different disciplines and materials within a single creation. I might work with bronze and then add some pieces of wood. Lately I have been applying 3D modelling to areas such as painting, wood and stone sculpturing and bronze.
What are your sources of inspiration?: It sometimes surprises people when I tell them that though it is very nice to walk through the woods and draw inspiration from nature, it is also important to walk through industrial sites. But you should know what materials are available nearby, what machinery and spaces are close to your workshop.
What normally surprises people about your work?: The variety. People usually make remarks such as “It had never occurred to me to see a painting on top of a steel plate” or “I love these floral motifs on glass and how on top of them you have incorporated LED lighting to highlight them”. The materials I use normally surprise people.

Enrique De Lucas Tortajada is a master artisan: he began his career in 1987 and he started teaching in 1989