What pieces or projects have you been working on lately?
We’ve been working on a commission for some framed artworks for a set of apartments. Next in line is a group exhibition that will take place here in Monterrey. Day-to-day life in the workshop is also quite demanding, so far this month we’ve framed all kinds of things.
What did you learn (or unlearn) while working on them?
The most interesting part of the workshop is managing and organizing deliveries as they come in. It’s not something I just learned recently, but there are moments when everything has to be arranged in a very specific way in order to complete all deliveries on time and properly.
What words, ideas or emotions were going through your head?
The words that have been circling my head lately are: “Seventh anniversary of Enmarcaciones El Dorado”.
Were there any conversations, movies, music, or books that made their way into that work?
The workshop soundtrack is quite extensive; lately it’s been made up of The Appleseed Cast.
What's been the most difficult thing you've faced recently in your creative process?
The creative process we encounter in the workshop is largely focused on meeting the quality standard for each project we deliver. We work hard every day, but since we deal with such diverse materials, many things are beyond our control and we have to find ways to keep producing.
What is your favorite restaurant and what do you recommend we order?
My favorite restaurant is Cara de Vaca , and everyone should try the falafel gringa.
If your life were a movie this month, what would it be called and who would write the soundtrack?
If this month were a movie about my life, it would be called An January as Unexpected as Winter in Monterrey. The soundtrack would be by My Bloody Valentine.
Recommend one or more artists you follow who inspire you, and tell us what you like most about their work or their way of working.
The artists I’m about to mention inspire me for different reasons: their consistency, honesty, dedication, sensitivity, and the way they plant their perspective on life into their work: Navaja de Lagarto, Dos veces Milo, Caro Alanis, Sofy Guerrero, Gibran Turón, Jimena Duval, El Tulpa.
I’m Alejandro Martínez, from Monterrey, Nuevo León. I’m a carpenter specializing in the fabrication of wooden frames and natural finishes. My trajectory has been defined by the sensitivity that a well-executed frame can convey in complementing an artwork.