As the winner of your category in the 2004 International Art Contest, being selected by such a diverse group of artists from all around the world, how do you feel?

I think art is not like sports, I mean art is not a competition. Art is about sensibility and feelings, but it’s always a pleasure being recognized, especially when it comes from some partners.

Please describe your current works and any plans for forthcoming exhibits.

Working on art is an eternal adventure, full of creativity and experiences. Right now I am participating in group exhibitions in Spain and Japan. In Mexico I realized the sceneries for the International Festival of Jazz (Diana Krall, Wayne Shorter, Spyro Gyra, etc.). On the other side I am painting big sized oils, about 6 x 8 meters. For the upcoming months I will participate in an auction at Gelos in Moscow Russia, and finally present and exhibition in Festivalissimo at Montreal, Canada.

If any, in what ways have you seen changes in attitudes towards "art"?

Is difficult, some times it seems like day after day people are losing interest in art, but some situations or events reflect a growing and positive attitude, so I think it depends of the point of view. We have to do our part.

Do you think that the fine artist will survive as technology replaces our skills?

The art is irreplaceable, art is like love, their soul will never change. Technology is a tool but it is not a fine art by itself.

What advice could you give to those embarking upon a career as an artist?

There are no secrets, this career as any other in the world is hard, so there is only one way, working hard day after day. But in art we have to be conscious about success, because it is something relative, the important success is with yourself, with your own philosophy.

Why did you enter the Art Dept contest and what decided your selection for entry?

Any space for showing art is very important, so my manager simply chose a colourful painting and put it inside the web.

Is there anything about being an artist that you do not like?

Essentially no, everything about being an artist is great, of course there are some times of economical instability, but it happens in any professional activity.

Would you sell your most favourite artwork, or keep it?

Through more than 35 years, I have painted and sculpted hundreds and hundreds of pieces, but I have not created my favourite one, I am still looking for it day after day. Nevertheless, my wife usually keeps some pieces and there are not for sale.

How important was education and training to you?

Education and training were fundamentals, since I was a child my father became my first professor, then the Fine Arts School and even today the daily training is essential. Life by itself is an important education.

Is there anything in your art career that you would have changed?

No, I would not change anything. But I would like having more time and mediums to develop so projects and ideas.

If you were invited overseas to exhibit your works, where would you like that to be?

Every single country is special; it would be a pleasure having an exhibition anywhere. I have already exhibited in New York and Paris, but I would like to do it again soon. I am also interested in Australia, I have not exhibited over there.

Are you looking forward to entering the contest for next year?

I don’t know, I think there must be different artists every year.

Do you recommend use of the Internet for an artist's publicity?

I don’t use the computer or the internet, but as far as I know, through my manager and family, it is a good tool for communication and publicity.

Would you change anything about how the contest is organised?

The contest is a good idea for a global view of art and I hope in time it could become bigger and not only virtual.

How can the Internet be made better for working artists?

As I mentioned before, I don’t use Internet, but as any media, Internet must gave more relevance and space for art and artists.