Lucy Orta
Lucy Orta was born in 1966 in Sutton Coldfield. Her mother was a housewife, her father an engineer. After graduating from Nottingham University, she moved to Paris and worked as artistic director for a sportswear brand. In the early 90s, she met her husband, the artist and architect Jorge Orta, and established Studio Orta, a non-profit association to challenge the boundaries of public art. Her work combines architecture, fashion and social activism. Dwelling X, her touring public art sculpture, is in Old Market Square, Nottingham, until Thursday.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being with the family.

What is your greatest fear?
That I cannot finish something on time.

Which living person do you most admire?
Aung San Sui Kyi.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Lack of will.

What objects do you always carry with you?
Sketchbook and pens, laptop.

What makes you depressed?
The magnitude of certain projects in the phase before realisation.

What vehicles do you own?
12 Saviem army lorries, four Red Cross ambulances and five military trailers for our sculptures; a Renault van for work; a Ford Fiesta for the city; and a Chrysler Voyager for family and friends.

What is your favourite word?

When and where were you happiest?
Now and everywhere.

How do you relax?
Reflecting on the Eurostar from Paris to London.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
It's so easy to want more. The biggest challenge is to be happy as you are.

What would your motto be?
Look + React = Act.

What keeps you awake at night?
Too many ideas that need to be realised.

How would you like to die?
At the same time as my husband, as old as possible.

How would you like to be remembered?
By the children, both as a loving mother and as a woman dedicated to her work.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
To give to others and not become too consumed by obsessions.

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