STENCILS UNCOVERED

I believe the possibilities of polymer clay are endless,”  says Nadia Hernández, with her excitement so palpable, as she talks about the material that has become her creative playground. "I let my hands guide me, finding solutions as I go.” This mindset has allowed Nadia to develop a style all her own, one that celebrates vibrant color, texture, and movement.

After years of studying traditional ceramics in Chile, the Spanish artist transitioned to polymer clay, a material that offered her the freedom and versatility she sought.

Through her self-taught journey, Nadia has developed unique techniques that seamlessly combine organic and geometric forms, some of which are based on essential materials such as metal stencils. Her work not only reflects her technical expertise but also her passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities.

But how did it all start?

Originally from a small town in La Mancha, Spain, Nadia has lived in many places, each shaping her understanding of art. Her artistic journey began in a place with a rich artistic tradition, which sparked her interest in creative expression from an early age. From oil painting and watercolors to photography and ceramics, Nadia explored various mediums before discovering polymer clay after her time in Chile.

“Polymer clay completely captivated me,” she recalls. “I was amazed by its versatility and what I could create with it. The material let me experiment, develop my techniques, and build a body of work without the limitations I had faced with traditional ceramics.”

Her excitement for this new medium quickly turned into an online presence. “In 2022, I began sharing my work on social media, and I was surprised by how quickly it caught people’s attention,” she says, smiling. Nadia's pieces, vibrant, original, and bold, found an eager audience, and before long, her work was featured on our platforms Polymer Week  Magazine and Polymer Week Society.

A captivating tutorial on creating a bangle inspired by the sunsets of her homeland, La Mancha—designed by Nadia for the Polymer Week Society.

When asked about her artistic process, Nadia’s passion for color shines through. “Color is where my soul finds its balance,” she shares. It’s clear from her work that vibrant hues are essential to her artistic identity. Yet, as she explains, it’s never just about brightness and energy. “I love using vibrant colors paired with darker tones,” she says. “The dark tones bring a sense of calm and balance to the piece. It’s like my way of merging my cheerful, outgoing personality with my need for solitude.”

Nadia’s pieces, from the geometric to the organic, showcase her keen understanding of both structure and spontaneity. Whether it's a clean-lined geometric design or a flowing, textural piece, her work always feels alive. “I work instinctively,” Nadia admits, “sometimes planning, sometimes improvising, but always pushing boundaries in search of new textures and colors.”

One of the aspects of Nadia’s work that stands out is her willingness to experiment. “I’ve never been one to follow strict rules when it comes to creating,” she explains.

“My process is a bit chaotic, but that’s part of the fun. Whether I’m making geometric designs with clean lines or organic pieces that flow and twist, I enjoy the freedom to explore and make mistakes along the way.”

But her creative journey isn’t just about the end product; it’s about the process itself. “When I’m working on a more geometric piece, I like to plan things out with some technical drawings,” Nadia says. “But with organic pieces, I work directly with the clay, shaping and molding it by hand as I go along. Sometimes I’ll make adjustments, but I love finding solutions as I work.”

She has also recently started experimenting with metal stencils, which have sparked a new chapter in her exploration of texture. “It was love at first sight when I first used metal stencils,” she laughs.

“I realized I could cut the designs with a scalpel and create depth in ways I hadn’t imagined before. These stencils opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me.” 

Interestingly, that’s exactly what Lucy had in mind when designing them. While often used for applying additional media on top of clay, these stencils were also intended to cut out shapes and even create subtle textures, expanding their creative potential far beyond a single purpose.

Beyond her own work, Nadia is passionate about empowering others to discover their creative potential. Through her website, Artembynadia.com, she offers online tutorials, workshops, and classes, both online and in person. For Nadia, teaching is an extension of her artistic practice. “I love sharing what I’ve learned,” she says. “It’s about helping others explore the limitless possibilities of polymer clay, just as I did.”

Nadia’s blog and YouTube channel are growing hubs where she shares her experience, advice, and techniques. It’s clear that she believes in the power of art to transform and inspire, and she’s committed to helping others on their own artistic journeys.

With her work gaining recognition and her online platform thriving, Nadia is excited about what the future holds. “Art, for me, is limitless,” she says. “There’s always something new to explore, whether it’s a new technique, a new material, or a fresh perspective. I’m just getting started.” We’re sure she will continue surprising us with her artwork in the near future.