Interview
Luis Mercado
Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and raised in Yahualica, Jalisco, Mexico, a town rich with artisanal tradition, Luis’ journey into the art world began with a hands-on education in a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, wood, and carved stone. This upbringing provided him with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a conviction to pursue a creative path, a conviction that has guided his work ever since. His contemporary artwork draws inspiration from a diverse range of artistic movements, including Impressionism, Abstract, Cubism, and Figurative Art. Luis’ compositions reflect on the human experience, exploring everyday life, emotions, and perceptions rather than engaging with social or political issues. This pursuit of the intangible is also inspired by artists like Oswaldo Guayasamín, who masterfully used Expressionism to convey profound emotion.
His creative process is a unique blend of modern technology and traditional techniques. Each piece begins with personal photography, which he uses as a digital blueprint to develop the composition. This initial stage allows him to experiment with abstract and surrealist styles before he ever touches the canvas. The final work is brought to life using acrylic paints, where the application is a balance of careful planning and creative improvisation. Through this process, Luis aims to create art where time has stopped, portraying a feeling of permanence and stillness. His work has been recognized on an international stage, and he was recently featured in Milan Weekly Magazine, a significant milestone in his career.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My journey into the world of art began long before I even realized it. From a young age, I was immersed in a creative environment that nurtured my artistic inclinations. Growing up in Yahualica, Jalisco, Mexico, a town renowned for its vibrant artisanal community, I was surrounded by people who created beautiful things with their hands. This upbringing provided me with a unique education, a deep appreciation for craft, and a hands-on understanding of various artistic mediums. I didn't just stumble upon art; it was a fundamental part of my daily life. I spent my childhood experimenting with a variety of materials, from strokes of drawing and painting to the tactile, three-dimensional processes of wood. I learned the satisfying feeling of shaping the meditative rhythm of carving stones. These weren't just hobbies; they were a way of life, passed down through generations in my community. The encouragement to pursue creative endeavors was constant. In Yahualica, art wasn't seen as an exclusive or elite pursuit but as a natural extension of who we were. This atmosphere gave me the freedom to explore my creativity without pressure, allowing me to develop a genuine passion for making things. As I grew, this conviction only strengthened. I knew my path was tied to something creative, something that allowed me to express myself and connect with the world through my work. The diverse skills I acquired in my hometown became the foundation upon which I've built my artistic career, shaping my approach and influencing the pieces I create today.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My paintings aim to initiate a dialogue about our shared realities and feelings. I turn my attention to the more intimate and personal aspects of contemporary life. I utilize Cubism and Figurative compositions to deconstruct and reassemble the human face and form. My artistic expression is not a critique but a mirror. It reflects the intricate tapestry of modern life, focusing on the human psyche and our shared emotions. I use a diverse visual language—the fractured planes of Cubism, the energetic strokes of Impressionism, the raw emotion of Abstract, and the classic form of Figurative art—to explore what it feels like to live in this moment. My work aims to capture the essence of our everyday existence, the subtle nuances, and the profound feelings that define our perceptions. It's about the beauty and complexity found in a quiet glance or the silent story behind a face. Each canvas is a reflection of my own journey, a visual diary of my observations and emotions. I believe art doesn't have to shout to be heard. My compositions are a quiet invitation to look closer, to feel deeper, and to find a piece of yourself within the art. It's a conversation without words, where paint and canvas become a medium for understanding and connection. Ultimately, my work is a reflection on how we perceive and process our daily lives. I use a combination of techniques and styles to explore the complexities of human emotion and our relationship with our surroundings. My art is a space for contemplation, where the viewer can connect with the themes of life, emotion, and perception without the constraints of political commentary.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My creative process is a deliberate fusion of planning and spontaneity, a dance between intention and intuition. Every piece begins with a concept—an emotion, an idea, or a story I want to tell. I immerse myself in the rich history of art, drawing inspiration from the masters and their timeless techniques, but my true starting point is a contemporary one: my own photography. The photos I take serve as a personal library of visual ideas. This blending of traditional and modern approaches allows me to bring profound and intense ideas to life. The precision of the digital plan provides a framework, while the freedom of the brush brings an emotional depth that can only be achieved through the tactile process of painting. It’s an ongoing conversation between intention and improvisation, resulting in art that feels both timeless and deeply personal.”
Are there any art world trends are you following?
“There are a number of exciting trends shaping the art world today that resonate with my own practice. I'm particularly interested in the intersection of technology and traditional art books, and how digital tools are being used to push creative boundaries. There are a number of exciting trends shaping the art world today that resonate with my own practice. I'm particularly interested in the intersection of technology and traditional art books, and how digital tools are being used to push creative boundaries.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“My artistic practice is a hybrid process that blends the digital with the physical. It starts with photography or another digital method; I capture images that serve as the initial inspiration and a personal library of visual ideas. These photographs are then taken into a digital space where I create an initial sketch. This is where I experiment with abstract and surrealist styles to develop the composition, often focusing on portraits to capture a sense of human connection. Once the digital design is complete, I move to the canvas. The materials I use are acrylic paints and various artistic techniques to bring the composition to life. The physical painting process is where the work truly takes on a life of its own. While the digital plan provides a clear guide, the application of paint is often improvisational, with layers and textures added to create a sense of movement and emotion. Ultimately, my technique is a fusion of traditional and modern approaches. It's about translating the intangible—emotions, feelings, and perceptions—into a tangible form. I use this process to create works that feel both timeless and deeply personal, as if time has stopped within the canvas.”
“My creative process is a deliberate fusion of planning and spontaneity, a dance between intention and intuition.”
What does your art mean to you?
“For me, art is a way to make sense of the world and my place in it. It's a personal journey that allows me to explore emotions and ideas that are often difficult to put into words. My art is a form of communication—a silent dialogue between my inner world and the viewer. It's a way for me to share my unique perspective on life, to capture fleeting moments and make them permanent. Each piece is a reflection of a feeling, a memory, or a thought, and the act of creating it is both a challenge and a release. Ultimately, my art is about connection. It's a bridge between myself and others, a way to show that we all share in the human experience, with its joys, sorrows, and complex emotions.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“I can answer this question from an artistic perspective by choosing a painting from Oswaldo Guayasamín's ‘The Age of Tenderness’ series. Why this series resonates so deeply is in its ability to capture the intimate and universal human experience. Guayasamín is known for a powerful, expressive style, and in this series, he turns that intensity inward. The paintings, which often depict mothers and children, use a gentle palette of warm hues and soft lines to show a different kind of strength—the strength found in love and vulnerability. This choice speaks to a core artistic truth: that the most profound art can be found not just in grand, epic narratives but also in the quietest, most personal moments. It's a reminder that a simple embrace or a look of pure affection can be as powerful and timeless as any grand scene. This aligns with my own goal to create works that feel both timeless and deeply personal, capturing the enduring emotions that connect us all.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Yes, I recently had the honor of being featured in Milan Weekly Magazine. It was a noteworthy opportunity to share my work on an international platform. The feature highlighted my unique artistic process. Being showcased in a publication based in a renowned magazine for its rich history of art and design was an incredible experience. Additionally, I had the honor of exhibiting my work at the Contra Costa College library in San Pablo, CA. This particular exhibition was a significant milestone for me as an art student at the time. It provided a valuable platform to not only showcase my paintings but also to discuss the inspiration behind them, my creative process, and the story of how the exhibition came to be. These opportunities, from a major magazine feature to a personal student exhibition, are a testament to my artistic journey and a direct result of the hard work and passion I pour into every piece.”
