. Little Heroes, dreamers, superpowers, creativity, imagination; Believe in YOU—these are recurring concepts in your work: above all, authenticity. Was that the key to turning your passion into a profession?

 

I’m part of that great generation that grew up in the 1980s. A time when video game consoles began to appear, but there was no internet for home use. It was the era of great action and adventure films that are now essential cinema classics. But above all, it was about playing in groups out on the street. We weren’t glued to screens. If we played video games, not everyone had a console, so we’d meet up at someone’s house. The friendships I’ve kept from that time are authentic, strong, and feel like family.

Lil Heroes are that group of friends who dream of changing the world, making it better, and living in it without harming it. That sense of community has stayed with me in my work every day. Daydreaming, imagining without limits—that’s my way of creating. But above all: love, effort, and dedication to your craft. And you can only have that if you believe in yourself. That’s why I say Believe in You. It’s the starting point for everything.

 

. A degree in Art History—was that the Plan B?

I’ve always believed that art can’t truly be taught. You can’t teach someone how to paint. You can pass on some techniques and knowledge about materials, but honestly, you only really learn by getting your hands dirty, by experimenting, by dedicating time and passion.

If you want to be a painter, paint. If you want to write, write. But I’ve always felt that you need to do your research. If I were a writer, the first thing I’d be is an avid reader. A lover of books. I’m an artist, and to educate myself, I studied art history—to understand every era, genre, and the artists of each period. To make sense of their work by understanding the history of their time, their technical resources, and artistic movements.

Also, as a foundation for painting, the most essential element for me is drawing. You need to know how to draw perfectly with just a simple pencil. Without color. It’s something I practice day in and day out.

 

. Art collector, toy collector, sneakerhead. Are these your passions?

As I mentioned earlier, I’m a lover of art and its history. I’m an art collector. I love walking past artworks and observing them. I always find something positive in any artist’s work. Every artist is different—they express their own world—and for that, they deserve respect.

Often, the art world or the market can be misleading. There are great artists who can’t make a living from their art, and others for whom it’s the opposite. I buy art based on emotion, not based on the artist’s market value. I’m not an art investor—I’m a true enthusiast, and I like to enjoy every piece I own. Some works I exchange with other artists, but only with those with whom I share a friendship.

I also love fashion and sneakers. I’m passionate about both, and they’re two of my “unfulfilled vocations,” just like architecture. I have friends in these fields, and I love sharing experiences with them—even collaborating on joint projects when possible

 

. You’ve collaborated with many brands, quite a few of them in fashion—Camper, 3paradis, NBA, PSG, MMR. Do you follow fashion?

 

I love fashion. I’m passionate about it. Even though in my day-to-day life I dress simply—otherwise, I end up staining everything just by looking in the mirror. I’m a disaster when it comes to clothes!

But yes, I follow fashion closely. When I travel, I do dress up a bit—like we say in Spain, I wear my “Sunday best.” I’ve got great friends in the fashion world, and I love visiting their studios, having coffee with them, and filling my head with new experiences. I love thinking about joint collaborations… bringing my art to textiles. It’s just another canvas to create on.

Just like with sculptures, it’s a way to give my paintings new meaning and breathe life into the characters. Collaborations with brands are something I really enjoy—especially when I can encourage them to support children’s foundations and be part of something bigger.

 

. You’ve exhibited in Moscow, Seoul, Barcelona, Madrid, New York, Paris, Dubai, Havana, Bogotá… Does art speak a universal language?

 

Art is universal. It should be understood by everyone. And each person should interpret it in their own way. Everyone sees something different—feelings vary because they connect with your soul and personal experiences.

Art shouldn’t have borders—those are imposed by society. Standing in front of an artwork should be like standing in front of a mirror, one that reflects your true emotions.

I deal with universal themes like climate change, racism, solidarity, nature and its extinction… I try to raise awareness about these critical issues—but with a touch of hope. I truly believe that if each of us contributes even a little, we can achieve great things together.

There’s nothing more beautiful than honest comments from people, like this one:

“My life is a mess, but seeing one of your paintings or a post on your socials brings a smile to my face.”

That kind of message breaks me in one way, but at the same time it fills me with hope. It tells me that my art is fulfilling its purpose—offering positivity and the strength to get up and keep fighting for yourself.

 

. You’re always joining projects that make a difference. Solidarity projects to which you dedicate your art and your time. You’re a strong advocate for solidarity…

 

If my paintings address social and environmental issues, it’s not because it’s trendy. It’s something that comes from deep within me. I see my art as a tool for raising awareness, for fighting, and as a support so that others can help too.

On one hand, the personal financial contribution I can make helps, of course. But I believe it’s even more important to give meaning to my work and use it to support solidarity projects. Art is very elitist—very few people can actually afford to collect it. But the number of people who love art is much greater. They would be collectors if their financial situation allowed it. These people fill museums, attend art events, fairs, galleries, and genuinely enjoy art.

That’s why I think creating designs for small solidarity products is so important. These are things that anyone can afford. While you’re buying something special, you’re also contributing to a cause. All the profits go to the foundation. I just make the designs and donate them. The rest of the support comes from you, the readers, by purchasing these items. We all contribute.

Some of the organizations I’ve collaborated with include Fundación Galbán (childhood cancer in Asturias), La Cocina Económica de Gijón, Fundación Xana (supporting families with seriously ill children), and Fundación Luzón (fighting ALS).

. It’s coffee time. You’re a big-time coffee lover. How many cups a day?

 

I can’t leave the house without breakfast. With or without coffee. But if I skip it at home, it’s only because I’m heading straight to the studio, where I have my coffee makers. There, I take my time to brew it and kick off the day.

I love coffee culture—the process, the ritual, and of course, the flavor. I usually drink 4 or 5 cups a day, carefully chosen for special moments: during calls, while sketching or jotting things down, before a bike ride, after lunch with whatever novel I’m currently devouring… sometimes even at night.

 

. SILENCIOSA creates clothing for an active life. The bicycle is at the heart of it. You’re passionate about cycling. What does the bicycle represent in your life and in your work?

 

Sports are part of my job. Aerobic exercise—especially outdoors—is essential for me. I spend all day in my studio, with my mind constantly buzzing. It’s during my bike rides through the beautiful roads around my small city that I organize my thoughts. That’s when I put things into perspective: life, health, family above work. It resets my mood, and I return to everything with fresh eyes.

When I go days without exercising, I feel it—and the people around me feel it more. I become unbearable, I admit it. My wife says:

—Go out for a ride or go paint—nobody can stand you right now.

I’m a person of small but solid routines. I need to paint or draw every day, do some sport, have my coffee… When I travel, I always carry my sketchbook. I get my exercise walking through cities, and the first thing I look for is where the best cafés are. Even if they’re two hours away on foot—I go.

Bring movement into your daily life. Try to stay active. And if your work keeps you sitting, get up every so often—writing these answers took me two hours, and in that time I’ve stood up three times to stretch, got a coffee, and paced around the studio while thinking. Making exercise a habit truly changes your life for the better—and in my case, also makes me more bearable for my loved ones.

 

. When is the SILENCIOSA collaboration coming? What piece would you design?

 

All their pieces are incredible. I’ve worn them biking and walking, in hot and cold weather, and honestly—they’re some of the best I’ve ever tried. Truly. I wouldn’t want to “mess with” those already beautiful, clean, and well-thought-out designs.

What I would love to do is a knit garment—a cardigan or button-up jacket. That’s my favorite kind of piece. It’s versatile: you can dress it up or wear it at home. I love it because you can wear it open, it has pockets... and it reminds me of my family. That cardigan passed from father to son, with worn-out elbow patches, used for staying cozy around the house.

I remember my dad’s cardigans—smelling of tobacco, elbows faded from leaning on his desk while hammering away at his typewriter. And now, my mother wears them around the house. It’s a piece that carries memories. I’d dedicate it to them.

SHHH… it’ll be our secret. Let’s go for it ;)