Float better

What pieces or projects have you been working on lately?
My most recent project was a trip, where I went without expectations or plans; I only took my camera and carried it with me everywhere. When I got back, I reviewed the material and didn’t feel very satisfied; still, I set a date for an exhibition and, magically, things began to take shape, allowing me to experiment with new formats and techniques I would never have imagined. It has been one of the smoothest and most satisfying exhibitions I’ve ever done.

What did you learn (or unlearn) while working on them?
I learned that confidence in the work you do is the only thing that keeps a project afloat; there is almost always a simple solution to obstacles in the artistic process. Sometimes it’s hard to find, but those who seek, find.

What words, ideas or emotions were going through your head?
I felt I wasn’t satisfied with the material (digital photographs). I didn’t bring a computer, so everything stayed on the memory cards until I returned. I didn’t give it much importance, since what I wanted was to travel and give myself time to be alone. In the end, my photographic practice feels very natural to me, and I carry it out almost automatically. I surprised myself, as it showed me that I can process photographs in my mind.

Were there any conversations, movies, music, or books that made their way into that work?
During that trip I read a book titled The Ego Is the Enemy, which, as you can imagine, was a great lesson overall. I finished it right on the way back, and it was important for me in realizing how much you can let go of and still stay afloat, even float better.

What's been the most difficult thing you've faced recently in your creative process?
I think I’ve learned (and now have the possibility) to give myself more time to digest things. I’ve been calibrating my personal process; it will never be ideal, because that would take the fun out of it, but I’ve learned to let go of ideas that used to paralyze me or keep me from taking the next step. It’s still difficult to exhibit, to choose, to think, to process. I don’t think it will ever stop being difficult; I just dare a little more each time.

What is your favorite restaurant and what do you recommend we order?
In Guadalajara there’s a place that sells pizza by the slice; I recommend the margherita and the bianca, obviously, accompanied by a Capicua kombucha. The place is called Strident Pizzeria.

If your life were a movie this month, what would it be called and who would write the soundtrack?
I feel like I’m in the movie Pulp Fiction, not so literally, but more in the sense of how stories intertwine; conversations from years ago are now becoming reality and beginning to take shape. As for the soundtrack, probably I’d ask the person who was in charge of Back to the Future I.

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.
I’m fortunate to be surrounded by extremely talented people, with whom I constantly exchange ideas and support each other. To name a few, in no particular order, and surely missing many:

Lorea de la Peña is a great friend who produces art that feels out of this world, with highly interesting concepts and ideas, and proposals that invite reflection.

Probably Bellbird is and will always be a great friend with whom I exchange countless ideas, and whom I’ve seen develop his career from almost the very beginning; I’m very proud of his path and I love his art.

Leo Hernandez, by Penumbra, is also a great friend and colleague with whom I have the pleasure of sharing pages in the ERRR publication alongside Sergio, cofounder of the project.

Please also check out the great work of Reyna and Andrea, whom I admire greatly and with whom I’m very happy to be sharing a book.

Probably Musguet is a tattoo artist who is developing a very interesting visual language, working within a very specific niche and with a graphic style that is very well executed. I hope he soon begins to experiment with more media to express himself; tattooing is just one of the many things he does with passion.