We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jose Santos. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jose below.

Hi Jose, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

As soon as I moved back to Mexico from England I started working on a project called ‘Perros de Azotea’, this piece involved researching the subject of the mistreatment of ‘Roof Dogs’ and how back in 2015 animal rights still was not a thing of serious significance in my home town of Oaxaca.
I had printing project in mind but seeing this animal abuse I just couldn’t help but to raise awareness of this injustice.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m originally from the city of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. In 1997 I went to study my B. A. In Fine Arts at the London Metropolitan in England. Eighteen years later I’m back in my home town.
My three main subjects were Painting, Printing and Ceramics.
The main reason to work as an artist in Mexico is the vast range of materials you can get here, from natural resources, big canvases, and also the space available to work, as an artist I think space is key in your practice.
Ceramics has also played a big part in this stage of my career, I have had the fortune to be able to produce big ceramic murals and sculptures. My market at the moment includes all kinds of businesses, like interior designers, hotels, as well as private collectors, although my work it’s not ‘pretty’ or decorative I think it has a sense of both sides of my cultural upbringing: the Mexican and the English.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I believe an artist has the fortune to be a voice in this world, this is also a responsibility that we have within and to the community, we should not take it for granted. We can also, as a public figure, raise social awareness, be active in this world, be someone who leaves a legacy of justice and good faith among people. My driving force is my children: Francesco, Alita and Mia, without them in my everyday thoughts my work would not be the same!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Supporting the arts is very very important, we all are creative beings and we need more workshops of all kinds in the arts, music, dance, etc.
Buy original art, go to the theatre, visit museums and galleries, there is plenty of beauty when and audience it’s participating in all artistic events.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: jjjosesantosss
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

Jose Santos Art photos