Lately I've been thinking about finding the unique style or identity that defines one as an artist, something that sets one apart from the rest. In which elements of a piece --especially if it is realistic-- can a streak of the artist's essence be revealed? There has to be something that is unmistakable mark of the artist, observable at least through the composition or content of the piece (if it is realistic), for the artist inevitably has to choose what he'll represent and that selection presupposes a tendency or a "style". Some of the most successful and innovative artists are those whose pieces you can recognize meters away, and whose range of interests are often depicted clearly in his compositions.

Not long ago I went as a visitor to an art class, and the professor said each piece --however general or social it may be, and though they represent common phenomena and the environment in which the artist lives-- is more the embodiment of the artist's thoughts and ideas than anything else. And that's why people refer to pieces as "a Monet" or "a Picasso", instead of to its title.

It took me by surprise that when I showed him some of my realistic portraits and landscapes, he told me that I should make them more personal and impart them feeling. In other words, I assume he was talking about getting a style and give it more of myself. And it happens like that with everything: in music, for instance, you can tell when an interpreter is truly feeling what he's playing. I've heard Chopin nocturnes which are technically correct but lack the sentiment and maturity the piece requires. And this is such a turn off beause it leaves you apathetic and insipid, as if all the colour and vivacity of it were sucked out. So, whatever you do, in short, is a manifestation of yourself, there's no escape. Even silence, depending on the context, may be eloquent!

People who watch me know that I'm not devoted to anything in particular, I like to flirt with different styles here and there, and I'm more like a receptive palette than an invention machine- I tend to copy more than imagine. So maybe that's why I still don't show a particular style yet. On the other hand, it's important that before anything else, you know and experiment different techniques so that you gradually move to higher depths of skill and eventually find your "identity". Paul Klee said that he wanted to start from scratch, that he felt the only way to find yourself is by starting with the most simple things, the basics. He was brilliant, because to take nothing for granted is the true mentality of a genius. I think I'm in search of that. And maybe if I keep exploring and evolving, someday I'll find my own particlar voice, my keynote.