How has your career progressed over the years?
In Seville we have the tradition of religious goldsmithing and silversmithing, so that started my career. However, over the years I researched all techniques related to metal. Now, I am the artisan behind the work of others; my hands shape, cast, melt, polish, weld. My work is an alchemy of these processes.
What sort of commissions do you work on?
All sorts, even large-scale sculptures, like statues and monuments. Excellence is my goal and every step is painstakingly executed. Throughout my career I have worked behind the scenes, making what others devise, and I have never suffered from it. But now I also focus on my own creations.
© Guillermo Ramírez Torres
What inspires your own work?
Recently I have been focusing on fruit and flower still life bronze sculptures, and for those I look to the classic masters of Spanish painting – Zurbarán and Sánchez Cotán among others – but also to the work of my great-grandfather, who was passionate about painting.
Do you work alone?
Mostly, but I now have four young apprentices helping me. I like to collaborate with people, to teach and handover my knowledge to young people. I am a curious person and an enthusiast, in love with my craft, which I master with great pride.