How do you see your role as an artist in preserving tradition and creating new narratives?
My role as an artist is to express what flows through me, authentically and poetically, always prioritizing truth. I see the need, in today's world, to reconnect people with tradition and ritual, because we have become so disconnected from the earth that sustains and nourishes us, from our own bodies and spirits; we have lost our roots as interconnected human beings.
How do you manage to reconcile time, craftsmanship and the pace of modern life?
I'm terrible with the modern pace of life. I enjoy living at my own pace, which is sometimes slow, sometimes rhythmic, and sometimes fast. I enjoy losing my balance and creating my own perception and expectation of time. I'd say I go at my own pace, even though I know I could be more "productive," have more recognition, or some other capitalist value. Nothing matters more than being true to my spirit.
How do you balance the solitude of creation with the energy of collaboration and community?
It's difficult, as I could be a lonely hermit forever. I enjoy being alone, entertaining myself with the everyday, and creating out of nothing. Nature is always with me. But there always comes a time when we also need to step out of our confinement and create a moment of entropy. When we collaborate, we must learn to trust, and whatever the outcome, that's always an important lesson. Community is similar: the more you learn to break down your barriers, the more happiness can flood your soul.
Have you ever experienced a moment in which an ancient practice or tradition profoundly influenced your artistic vision?
A beautiful lesson I learned from my Shipibo teacher is that we must be careful with the information we expose ourselves to. In today's modern era, I frequently hear people listening to podcasts, reading random articles, and books. My teacher reminds me that all the information we read and hear comes from a human being, but we are all human. We must connect with a deeper source to find and experience our own truth, through plants and listening to the beyond.
Do you have any personal philosophies or beliefs that guide your creative path?
I believe in the self, in a way that truly trusts, values, and delves into self-discovery. To find our own depth and dive into it. To discover our true nature. I believe that until you find what's most important to you, your life doesn't even belong to you.