RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS WITH ~ JUAN DÍAZ–FAES BY PABLO G. VILLAZAN

We are back with another great session of “Rapid Fire Questions” by our good friend - Pablo G. Villazan. Today’s Q&A is with Spanish artist Juan Díaz Faes. Juan’s talent from paintings to sculptures expresses his personality and great energy which leaves us an imprint of his world and imaginations. - League

So, Ready! Set! Gooooooo!

Who is Juan Díaz-Faes?

Me, Ha-ha! A hyperactive Asturian with a desire to always do new things and have a good time creating. Also there was another one, my great-great-great-great-grand...something (from the 1800s). If you look for him on "the internet", you will see that he had a interesting job.

Did you always want to be an artist?

No, in fact I never thought about it. Even today I continue with the internal debate of what it is to be an artist. What differentiates an artist from a creator? who is? who is not? Why? if I am? if I am not? In my case, I simply dedicate myself to doing the things that intrigue me and that pose a creative and aesthetic challenge.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I am quite passionate and obsessive when I am working, therefore the inspiration comes mainly from the pleasure of discovering what each of us can do. Reflections or conclusions arise later during the process but my motor is above all curiosity.

Which artists have the greatest influence on your work?

I guess like everyone else, a little from here and a little from there. Of course, I love the art of the 60's to the 80's because it was the first thing I started to understand before having a little more training. I really like Pre-Columbian art, Comics or surf/skate aesthetics are also some important graphic pillars I grew up with.

What is your process to create your work?

It is usually quite immediate, I am very quick when it comes to creating an idea, whatever occurs to me at that moment, I try to execute it or at least close the sketch that same day. I enjoy starting and ending each piece very quickly without stopping in the middle. That's why I also (among other reasons) use a short color palette. I am not good at waiting for a color to dry, to give the second coat, taping, etc. I want to see what I have come up with NOW! Ha-ha.

Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?

There are mandatory objects; a coffee that has started to be drank, music (can vary depending on the day), drawing material (especially black markers) and because I like things immediately, I shoot many ideas with the iPad.

What is the meaning behind your artwork?

When I started (a couple of years ago) doing more personal work and fewer illustration assignments, a work with a more “artistic” intention asked me this question: What do I want to tell? What is the message? Does it have to have a priori? That made it harder for me to get into the pieces because they gave me too much respect. Then I began to worry less about the message and more about doing what the body asked me at the time. Over time, seeing the pieces together in the studio, I realized that there was a coherence and a message. They had a very basic first reading (I like that) so they could enjoy it quickly. But as the language was understood, more complex and (I think) fun stories were discovered.

Imagine that your paintings could talk, what would they say about you?

Ha-ha, I suppose they would say "Damn Juan, give us a break" ha-ha, or "put a little color on me!" ha-ha, it's funny, I don't know...

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Undoubtedly, strongly follow the things you feel passionate about. I think it is one of the keys so that no one gets bored of what they do and have the energy to continue learning and having fun at work. Be honest with your tastes and your way of working. And always try to enjoy your work.

Do you find the social channel’s influence Positive or Negative?

I think it is one more tool. Like everything, it depends on the use that is given to them. Without a doubt they are positive from the point of view that it makes many peoples work visible. It allows them to be in contact with other artists and thus be able to share experiences, doubts or reflections. But of course, with the moment we become victims of that tool or think that it is the absolute truth, it becomes negative. It is very delicate because it is very easy to fall into misusing social networks. I use them only to teach work. I decided not to get into the world of stories so I don’t spend more hours on it at a time. I try to only use the social networks when I'm in the bathroom (ha-ha, I love giving this information) so I don’t invest more time than necessary.

Describe in 3 words how social channels affect you as an artist.

Diffusion, Creativity, Little. Diffusion because without a doubt your work is seen more. Creativity because it allows you (and I do like that) to try to have ideas of each network (games with formats, specific jokes, etc.) and little because I hope (although something is inevitable) that they do not influence me too much.

What is your dream project?

It changes practically every week ha-ha. I suppose anything that combines my passions; the sea, art, surfing, drawing, skating, etc. However, come on, the next job that comes in, will be the project of my dreams muahahaha.