As part of a recent Minneapolis Art Lending Library (MALL) event, the ACC Library is excited to display a selection of sculptural works by MALL Artist Fellow Carolina Borja. Vibrant, playful, and highly tactile, Borja’s papier-mâché objects reflect her emerging interest in working at the intersection of art, craft, and public art. Borja will soon be leaving Minneapolis to establish a studio practice in Mexico City. We caught up with the artist before she departs to ask a few questions about her life and work. 

What do you make? What do you want to make?
Sculpture. I want to make contemporary art. I want to meet at the junction of industrial design, craft and fine art. My pieces often become installations. I have recently included performances, which are open for the audience to participate in and interact closer with the work. I am also interested in public art and the way it expands the gallery experience to the streets and everyday context.

Who and what inspires you?
I am highly inspired by Mexican craft: cartonería [papier-mâché sculptures], textile patterns, piñatas, alebrijes [folk art sculptures], and wood work. I am instinctively drawn to bright colors and dense textures. Like with fruits and vegetables, a wide variety is always better.

How did you first become engaged with craft?
I studied industrial design with a minor in Mexican craft and popular art. That woke my interest in craft on a deeper level. I had always admired the work that goes into craft, the dedication and ability to deliver astounding results. Craft is abundant from where I come from, and I always dreamt to be involved in the process.

Describe your dream studio…
Recently I have been moving houses and studios quite often, and I had no time to fantasize on an ideal space to create. This kind of mobility and spontaneity has been growing on me, and I feel more and more that a studio travels with you. Studio is a space in one’s mind. The rest is just tables, supports, and tools.

What does craft mean to you?
Hand-touched, repetition, functionality, process, intuition, color, folklore, passion.

Bonus question: What's your favorite/most read art or craft book in your personal collection?
Artes de Mexico magazine. I love the way they talk about craft, about artisans, and the history of craft. Any book on paper art can drive me crazy. Eye-candy images will have me flip it over and over.

Carolina Borja’s work is on display in the ACC Library until August 26, 2016.