Ariel Elizondo LIZARRAGA (1968-)

Brussels & San Sebastian Spain

I was born in Brussels, Belgium, to a father from Bilbao and a mother from the lush landscapes of Navarre in

Spain. My artistic journey has been profoundly shaped by my mother, an accomplished painter, who instilled

in me a deep appreciation for the creative process. As a young artist, my family relocated to Navarre, where I

began a business dedicated to the artistry of natural stone. This fostered a profound relationship with the

material and ignited a passion for travel, allowing me to explore diverse landscapes within Spain and beyond

its perimeter. The interplay between architecture, materials, and the organic forms they create has become the

cornerstone of my artistic identity.

Today, I call the picturesque town of San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa my home, where my creative focus

intertwines with the timeless beauty of natural stone and the resilient nature of steel. Drawing inspiration

from my paternal roots, my memories of Bilbao, and my early encounters with the stone in Navarre, I forge a

deep and intimate connection with the materials I work with. This relationship has been pivotal in shaping

my artistic narrative.

Throughout my career, I have wandered through enchanting landscapes, observing and reflecting on the

intricate petrographic formations that form the earth's outer shell. Each stone tells a story, its composition,

colors, textures, and shapes inviting contemplation. This is where my journey with the material begins—by

engaging in a tactile dialogue, where every touch and caress unlocks its energy. The stone communicates

with me, and in reciprocation, I share my own essence, marking the onset of creative exploration which

differs with each piece.

My studio is located in the surrounding landscape of Tafalla, in my mother’s village in Navarre. There,

amidst the natural beauty of my outdoor workspace, I breathe life into my dreams and ideas. I work outside,

harnessing my creativity using only the strength of my arms and the depth of my thoughts.

With this connection with the stone, time stands still; it captures the essence of fleeting moments, while iron

—born of its mineral origins—embodies movement, representing the human experience at that precise

instance. Through the curves and forms of my sculptures, I express my most cherished memories, which are

ephemeral, poignant, or cyclical. Life flows onward, while steel carves its narrative.

Once I complete the initial phase of my sculptures, I transport them to my workshop in Bera de Bidasoa, also

in Navarre. There I meticulously refine the mounts and apply the final touches, breathing life into my work.

Each piece tells a unique story using Cor-ten steel, a weathering process creating a layer of rust that protects the metal from the elements.