Test! I have to say that my medium depends on which style or series I am working on at the time. Since I work with nine different bodies of work, the medium can change, range or even be mixed. But generally, I like to work with acrylics only because it dries fast and I like to work fast. Second, with nine different bodies of work, which I like to call my different personalities, each series encompasses a different style. The differences between the series are that each consists of a specific style. For example: figurative, abstract, expressionistic, impressionistic, surreal and even pop. I also have some conceptual pieces, as well as installations. And just for the purpose of exploring and experimenting I have also dabbled with batik, ceramics, clay molding, as well as monoprinting. I like to think that I am a well-rounded artist and that I do not close doors on any learning opportunity when it comes my way. It’s like having all these different artists living inside of me simultaneously where each one takes the lead when they need to express themselves. It is a very liberating experience not to have to paint in just one style simply because that is what is expected of you as an artist in the art world. I can express myself on multiple levels despite that expectation. Being true to myself has offered many rewards and worked very well for me.
FAQs of the Artist
1. What is your medium and what do you consider to be your style?
First I have to say that my medium depends on which style or series I am working on at the time. Since I work on nine different series, the medium can change, range or even be mixed. But generally, I like to work with acrylics only because it dries quickly and allows me to work fast. Second, with the nine different series, otherwise known as my different personalities, each series encompasses a different experience and style. The differences between the series are that each consists of a very specific style and technique: costumbrismo, figurative, abstract, expressionistic, impressionistic, surreal and even pop. I also have some conceptual pieces, as well as installations. And just for the purpose of exploring and experimenting I have also dabbled with batik, ceramics, clay molding, as well as monoprinting. I like to think that I am a well-rounded visual artist and that I do not close any doors on any learning opportunity when they come my way. It’s like having all these different artists living inside of me simultaneously where each one takes the lead when they need to express themselves while the other takes a break. It is a very liberating experience not to have to paint in just one style simply because that is what is expected of you as an artist in the world of the arts. I feel an artist must express himself freely and as chosen. I can express myself on multiple levels in spite of that expectation. Being true to myself is first and foremost and has offered many rewards as well as worked very well for me.
2. What is your inspiration?
The very act of creating something is nothing short of a miracle for me. Being able to create something where there was once a blank canvas or nothing at all, is an act of faith and an inspiration for me to continue to seek and find opportunities to leave my mark on what was once a white piece of canvas that will eventually transport us into another dimension once completed and viewed. It is sort of a spiritual ritual where the mind, body and soul all connect in a very sensual, euphoric and harmonious way to create one being and give birth to the art itself. It is a wonderful place to be in and one that I constantly long for. Another thing that inspires me is life itself, the everyday simplicities and experiences such as family, friends (who are the extended family you choose), places you go, aromas and scents, tastes, all the visual aspects of life, people you meet along the way, our culture and our cultural differences. All this information rolled up into one delicious experience has so much subject matter to offer an artist. True art in my opinion is life in motion. The good, the bad, it all forms a part of what makes us whole. Besides that, there is no escaping it one way or another and the experience comes to us for a reason, to grow, learn from, evolve and prepare for the next life. For me it is a sense of feeling complete, experiencing every sensation and not turning away from any experience life brings your way. Living in the present and in this moment is all that matters.
3. When did you begin to paint?
As a child I was always drawn to the arts. Everything that was inclusive of art fascinated me: Dance, Music, Theater, Film, Writing, Painting, Fashion, everything. My family was always artistic and very musically inclined, but painting was always the one art that I always leaned towards the most. For me it was and is the ultimate expression that I felt and knew would allow me to continue down its path no matter how young I was or old I got. I was looking long-range even back then and knew that art was the key and the one true, important element in my life. There are memories of my grandfather’s home and terrace back in Havana, Cuba, when I was just three and four years old that were engraved into the archives of my mind at a level of precision that would stun any adult. I was always a very visual person, so as early as the age of 13 and even before then, I began to sketch and later paint at an already mature level. I instinctively knew that both shadow and light existed and created depth within a painting simply by looking at the subject before me. My eyes were wide open. I knew not just how to look but also how to see and absorb as well. There are some oil paintings of mine that are out there somewhere painted back when I was a mere 14 years old. I often wonder if they still exist and wish I could lay my eyes upon them now once again. I remember my parents would always comment on how beautifully I could sketch or paint but also followed that comment with ones like, “But you should get a job like an architect or something that will help you pay the bills while enjoying art as a hobby.” I know that deep down in their heart they meant well. At the end of the day, here I am a full-time artist because it was simply in my nature to be just that, an artist. Now-a-days when I paint, I ignore all rules for things such as color, light, shadow, depth, perspective, proportion and simply allow for the expression itself to lead the way. To quote something Picasso once said, “It took me forty years to learn to paint like a child.” You are what you are no matter what sort of camouflage you want to wear. This is why I believe it is so important to do what you love in life. Because sooner or later you will eventually want to go back there no matter what direction you have chosen to take in life. You will eventually come back to your first true love. Why not do it now and while you can? And it doesn’t serve you well to do things simply to meet the expectations of others; you must follow your own lead and be happy with the decisions you have made in life too in order to experience it to the fullest.
4. How long does it take you to create a piece?
The answer to this question depends upon several factors. The first is the series that I am working on. Some series require more attention to detail while others are more free-spirited and less controlled by the thought process. So, it can range from A to Z, and everything in-between. Next is my emotional state of mind. Meaning, that some days the muses are stronger than others. When the feelings are not strong, I tend to lay low and wait for the wave to come in like a surfer does in the ocean. Then, when there’s an inspiration, or what I like to call a download, there’s no stopping me. Finally, but most important, the painting is really the one that decides when it is finished and not I. It instructs me. I’ve had paintings that I’ve created in one day and others that have taken years.
5. What important projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on an incredible project with some of the survivors of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 that crashed into the Everglades on December 29, 1972, to raise awareness and funds. The funds will be used to help build an interactive memorial that will be located next to a monument that was just erected on the 50-year remembrance this past December 29, 2022, in Miami Springs, Florida. The memorial will honor both the passengers and crew of this fateful flight who survived and who we lost. This memorial will also be symbolic and informative about the importance of CRM (Crew Resource Management) to today’s aviation industry worldwide. CRM serves to make our flying experience a safer one. I just recently curated an exhibit as part of this project that is on view through March 19, 2023 and moderated a Panel Discussion with 10 panelists at HistoryMiami Museum, and I’m looking for additional opportunities to take this exhibit elsewhere and continue spreading awareness. And as always, I am constantly working with local and national not-for-profits helping them raise much needed funds to support their mission. I have many more plans beyond all this, but the most important thing is that I am doing what I love and love what I am doing.
6. Anything else you want to focus on?
While I have every intention of continuing to find new exhibition opportunities here in the United States, I am also focusing more on the international experience and art market. I already have some representation in Spain and have made other important contacts for representation in other parts of Europe, as well as South America, Africa and Asia. It is my intention to focus on getting my work to circle the globe, for with it, so will I. My plan is to leave my children behind, create an art that will transcend the limitations of time, and experience the world as much as I possibly can while on this journey, we call life. My artwork serves as the time machine and vortex that will transport me. I am traveling with my art and not the other way around.