I’m originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. In 2010, I graduated from the School of Arts at the University of Guadalajara. After finishing my degree, I emigrated to the United States, where I’ve been living ever since—specifically in the city of San Antonio, Texas.
My work has always been deeply connected to nature. During university, I worked extensively with stone and wood. After moving to the U.S., I began exploring new ideas, searching for a unique proposal—something original that didn’t imitate what others had already done. That’s when I came up with the idea of replicating animal fur using nails. By placing thousands of nails side by side, I recreate the textures of fur found in animals, insects, creatures, and other beings.
I find inspiration in artists like Maurizio Cattelan, Jeff Koons, Gabriel Orozco, and in general, those whose creative processes are meticulous, dedicated, and thorough. I enjoy learning from other artists—not to imitate them, but to draw inspiration and grow my own vision.
In the beginning, I focused on creating animals like rabbits, dogs, pumas, elephants, and bulls. But in recent years, I’ve been working more on producing insects and imaginary creatures—almost monstrous figures.
For me, one of the biggest challenges as an artist is finding that formula, that personal stamp that sets you apart. The goal is to have your work recognized on its own, to give it a unique identity.
If I could speak to my past self, I would tell him to keep going and to trust the process. Failing, making mistakes, and having to repeat things are all part of learning and growth.
The method I use to create my pieces might seem unconventional to others—though it’s become natural to me. Still, it has required a lot of research, both in terms of materials and process, to get to this point.
Often, when people see my work for the first time, they assume it’s made of a soft or delicate material, due to the way the nails are arranged. Many even ask if they can touch it. I believe there’s a necessary connection between the visual and the tactile.
The latest pieces I’ve created are based on monsters and insects. They could be considered both figurative and imaginary. With this series, my aim is to represent something from the collective unconscious—to bring into sculptural form the imagery found in stories, cartoons, and tales.
