Who are you?
I’m Fernando Barrios Benavides, an artist from Madrid, Spain. My work consists in drawings, paintings, sculptures, illustrations and object designs.
How did you get interested in art?
I have always been interested in art. I grew up in a family where art wasn’t a priority, but even though I felt thrilled when I could visit a museum or when I looked at an art book. With time I realised art was a true necessity for me.
How would you describe your style?
I don’t really know how to define my style. I try to work without a precise result in mind. I always work experimenting with several technics and themes. I work in series where I use portrait and
superposing layers of drawings where spontaneity it’s a core factor.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I find inspiration in a lot of things, like material textures, corporal language and mainly the creations of another artists, those of the past as Gauguin or Picasso, and some contemporary ones as Javier Marín or Stefan Zsaitsits
How is the creation process for you?
My creation process is based in repetition, I try to discover new forms and topics working with my old creations. I make variations of my own work until progressively it changes to a new thing. I never know what the outcome it’s going to be.
What are your favourite materials to work with?
I feel comfortable working with graphite and indian ink. They are strong and pure.
Who are your favourite artist?
As I said before I speciality enjoy Gauguin, Picasso, Marín and Zsaitsits, I like as well Freud, Rodin, Schiele, Kupka and regarding new artists I admire the work of Sr. Gusano, Nemo’s, E.P. Alexander, La Nueva Carne or Alexandra Müller.
What do you do besides being an artist?
I’m also an industrial designer. I try to combine both design and illustration.
What are the best advice given to you as an artist?
Don’t try to imitate a commercial style, do whatever you really like, it will be the best of your work.
