By Ignacio de Grado
My work is a journey of exploration. Every time I face a blank canvas, I am confronted by a feeling of fear and uncertainty, similar to the unpredictability of life itself. I approach my art with a sense of experimentation, letting materials guide the process. It’s not about the final result but about the discovery made along the way. I rely on intuition, allowing my hands to be led by the natural properties of the materials. In moments of struggle, there is growth. Just like in life, challenges become opportunities for transformation. My paintings reflect this—each one is a record of resilience, a narrative that unfolds without a clear destination, shaped by each decision and hesitation. There is no perfect blueprint. It’s a continuous dialogue between control and spontaneity, where the process becomes more important than the outcome. I embrace materials in all their forms, combining traditional fine art mediums with industrial ones. For instance, the use of wax introduces a delicate transformation, shifting with light and time. Each material, whether it’s paint or something more everyday, has equal significance in my work. By mixing these elements, I challenge boundaries, finding beauty in the unexpected fusion of textures and forms. This way of working is deeply emotional and instinctive. There are pauses between each mark, moments of stillness that allow the work to breathe and transform. It’s a process of becoming, a reflection of inner growth and discovery. The result is more than just an artwork—it’s a testament to presence, patience, and the willingness to embrace the unknown. Through experimentation, I find meaning in the act of creation itself, with each piece becoming a meditation on the journey, the exploration, and the beauty of transformation.
The arts are essential because they help us understand ourselves and the world. They allow us to express things that words can’t, and through the creative process, we learn and grow. For me, the act of making art is more about the journey than the final piece. It’s about discovering new things along the way, embracing uncertainty, and being open to what emerges. This project resonates with me because it celebrates experimentation and the unknown—values I hold dear in my own work. Like many artists, I believe that the process itself holds the most meaning, even when things don’t go as planned. It’s through these moments of struggle and uncertainty that growth happens, and it’s often where the most interesting work is found. To further celebrate the arts and culture, I think it would be valuable to explore how failure plays a role in the creative process. We often see failure as something negative, but I see it as an important part of growth. It teaches resilience and helps shape our creative paths. Embracing failure can help artists feel freer and more open to new ideas. Art is more than just making something beautiful—it’s about connecting with ourselves and others. It’s about embracing the unknown, the mistakes, and the surprises along the way.
My inspiration comes from the world around me—old things, materials I find in daily life, and my environment. I’m drawn to the forgotten and the overlooked, seeing beauty in the simplicity and potential of these objects. My surroundings—whether it’s the texture of a wall, a worn-down surface, or the play of light—often guide my creative process. For me, the journey of making art is more important than the final piece. I embrace experimentation and let intuition take the lead, allowing the materials to shape the work. I often combine traditional fine art mediums with industrial elements, giving space for the unexpected to emerge. I find that the process itself is where the true inspiration lies. By allowing things to unfold organically, I’m able to discover new ways of seeing and creating. My art reflects resilience, growth, and the beauty of transformation, capturing the unpredictable nature of life itself.
