I have worked in design for long enough to get tired of seeing most of my work through screens.
At some point I realised that I needed to create something that I could not only see, but also touch, interact with and even wear. That thought stayed with me long enough to morph into a full idea.
After countless sketches, I began to make sense of what I was creating. What started as an illustration project ended up becoming a lengthy process of self reflection and catharsis. Through that process, I got to assimilate the reasons why I was devoting my time to this piece, and that led me to deepen the understanding of my creative process, motivations and even dreams.
The end result is the most ambitious and significant work I have done to date.
Mantra was shortlisted in the Illustration Biennale organised by Pictoline.
More than 4400 artists from Latin America participated, and along with the other 55 selected works, mine was exhibited at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.
As well as being exhibited at the National Museum of Anthropology, Mantra was also featured in the commemorative book published by Pictoline.
But Mantra is more than just an illustration.
All those hours of thinking, sketching and inking allowed me to explore the corners of my mind where I find inspiration. So I allowed myself to expand the horizons of this work and take it into uncharted territory.
I was drawn to the idea of creating other pieces that would break away from the original illustration to live in the real world in a different way. And the result shines like no other.
By re-signifying elements of Mantra, I designed the 3 silver rings that dress the hands from the original illustration. Each one of them is loaded with deep and genuine meanings, which complement and complete the work.
Special thanks
to Rocío <3, for always encouraging me to pursue my craziest ideas,
to Santiago, for passing on to me the love for his craft,
to Gustavo, Guillermo and Horacio, for sharing their know-how with me,
to House of Prints, for bringing my first silkscreen prints to life,
to Rocío <3, for always encouraging me to pursue my craziest ideas,
to Santiago, for passing on to me the love for his craft,
to Gustavo, Guillermo and Horacio, for sharing their know-how with me,
to House of Prints, for bringing my first silkscreen prints to life,
and to my friends and family for their unconditional support.
