An interview with Sayulita artist Edgar Rodriguez
What drives you to paint, and what is the message you seek to convey through your works?
First of all, I’d like to mention that, like many artists, the factors that inspire us can be quite diverse: daily life, emotions, lifestyle, past experiences (even traumas), nature, cultures, family, and more. We channel these through painting. In my case, specific moments I’ve experienced—a sunset, my son’s smile, interactions with people, or riding a good wave—become sources of inspiration. This topic is very broad, as inspiration comes in countless forms.
How would you describe your style, and which artists or artistic movements have influenced your work?
I describe my work as explosive, striking, expressive, abstract, and, at times, mature. My pieces often feature stains, imperfections, and freedom, with moments of darkness. I believe we all go through transitions, and for me, those shifts are reflected in my art. Lately, I’ve been painting with lighter, more vivid colors. One of my favorite artists is the master sculptor Alejandro Santiago Ramírez (04/22/1964 – 07/22/2013). When I was very young, I traveled to the city of Oaxaca and admired his work in an art gallery. I had never seen anything with such impact before.
What is your creative process? How do you go from an initial idea to a finished work?
The creative process is different for every artist. Some work with detailed sketches before transferring them to canvas, wood, or other surfaces. In my case, I visualize colors and compositions in an unusual way.
I enjoy working with unconventional materials—sometimes I find canvas posters with specific colors or stains that inspire me to combine them with other materials of different colors or textures. This process of combining elements (what I call “composition”) drives me to keep adding or subtracting until the work feels complete.
I also recycle materials like stained fabric, socks, gloves, shoe insoles, cans, or even trash. These unusual elements, when combined with paint, create a three-dimensional effect that I find exciting. Traditional painting often feels boring to me, so this approach keeps me engaged.
My initial vision rarely matches the final piece. It changes throughout the process, and I embrace that—it’s part of the fun and exploration. Sometimes, I work for hours on end, unable to stop. I also enjoy adding stitches to join different fabrics, creating a unique and modern effect among the colorful stains.
What materials and techniques do you use most frequently, and why?
I mainly use oil paints on canvas, though I also work on wood panels and other surfaces. I prefer materials that are durable and resistant, like canvas, sailcloth, or raw blankets. Occasionally, I incorporate acrylics and mixed media, but I truly love oils. I enjoy the vivid, vibrant finish they leave, even though the drying process can be long.
How do you deal with creative mental blocks, and what inspires you to keep creating?
Creative blocks are common among artists, especially after taking a break from painting. Reconnecting with the process can feel challenging—but not always.
In my case, I avoid forcing anything. If I don’t feel inspired to paint, I explore other creative outlets like making wooden masks or furniture. Inspiration eventually finds me, and when it’s time to create, I immerse myself completely and produce as much as possible—even if I don’t always know what to do with all the finished pieces later!
