Pilar Fernandez

Pilar Fernandez born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1989, not more than a decade later the unusual event of a youngster encountering herself expression occurred to Pilar through her involvement in artistic mediums. Since the discovery of herinterest occurred from such an early age, today at just thirty-four years old she has amounted a wide range of expertise in her area of dedication. When the time came to decide on what path would occur after high school, Pilar understood that the greatest way to further feed her passion in the arts was to indulge in academic studies. As she says, “Love is only an outcome to what came beyond the initial sighting”. This is to say: wonder, attraction, a physical calling can only take you so far. For one to grasp a profound professional acknowledgement in the arts, academic research, a comprehension of history, and current events is crucial.

Once graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s in fine arts, Pilar began her personal studio “Bendito Barro” located in San Isidro, Buenos Aires. Here, she dedicates herself in the production of her pieces and the investigation of this medium. How it is extracted from the earth, the techniques it requires to handle it adequately, and the rituals that are involved in the firing. But, aside from the concrete step by step science, Pilar is fascinated with the intimate relationship she feels when focusing on her hands while working. “There is a respect for time in this practice of touch. Ceramics is my mentor, her correlation between sensual intimacy and functionality is a teacher. A discipline in balance, one I carry throughout life…” says the artist.

It is not rare for an artist to find a sense of organization in their work, for Pilar it was much more than stability it was a need for survival. At the age of eleven she was diagnosed with epilepsy; at that moment she began to look for refuge, ceramics became her safe zone. Pilar realized her health would be in the hands of her future. At this time ceramics not only brought patience to her life but also a

need for a strong physique. Pilar developed a curiosity in just how far she can take her bodies physical abilities. In 2016 she completed her first Iron Man 70.3 in Buenos Aires. Finally overcoming an immense obstacle that in return provided her with a sense of achievement and self believe. Once again finding something that connects her with her mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual state taking Pilar healthy into her thirties.

Over the past decade Pilar has build herself internationally pertaining into two areas; Art residencies and Triathlons. Racing in multiple locations such as Chicago, Brazil, and Uruguay. Training under the lead of Carla Moreno, two-time Olympic Champion in Australia 2000 and Greece 2004. In regards to artist stays, she completed a residency at The Collective 62, the first feminine collective studio space in Miami, FL by the hands of Nina Surel. Another in Provincia, Argentina at the studio of Desiree De Ridder.

With this understanding over her past years, pilar currently works in her studio spaces to elaborate personal work. Since 2020 her portfolio includes ceramic pieces such as her Bumble Bee Research and as well as a study she has been performing on women’s connection to nature. In continuing to deepen connection in between ceramics and her physical training. Pilar saved herself in her twenties and will continue to guide her in the future.