Visiting artists in northern Spain - an illustrating conversation about Carme Sole Vendrell

Carme Sole Vendrell (2nd from left)

Recently, one of my students came back from the Basque country with beautiful photos of striking buildings, wonderful street views, delicious food and all manner of art galleries and museums...many of which have been written about before no doubt.

What interested me were the visits she made with her husband and an interpreter to meet a couple of local artists, who have made careers illustrating childrens' books. I wanted to to know more, so our fellow class member and I decided to ask a few questions and share what we heard. My words here are from my notes of our conversation about Carme Sole Vendrell - any inaccuracies are mine.

The studio

Although in her eighties now, Carme Sole Vendrell still enjoys working hard, creating large works of art. An energetic and powerful personality, her desire to create art and her drive made a big impression. Her main theme or topic is children - a topic close to my own/my husbands hearts. Her works especially represent victims of war (from Afghanistan and other conflicts) - refugees, the displaced, orphans and others traumatised by war. Having recently visited Guernica & seen Picasso's work, this was especially poignant for me.

What's the connection? My husband was on a jury panel with her, years ago, judging illustrations from children's books. We try to visit 'connections' when we travel...this occasion we were in Barcelona and could visit her at home, in her spacious flat with art everywhere! There was no elevator to the fifth floor, so we savoured the sparkling wine we all shared, talking about her career (she gave us a copy of her book) and ongoing projects.

Carme explains to my husband + translator

Although well-known in Spain & Spanish speaking countries such as Argentina, she's less well-known in Japan. Would an exhibition of her work here be a success? Difficult to say.