Jair Nino

Please can you tell us about your upbringing?

I am from Colombia. I did study Graphic design in Bogota, and I really enjoyed it, in

fact I have worked as a designer for more than 20 years with different brands in a

diverse areas such as illustration, printmaking, photography and branding; all of

these while travelling and working in Colombia, DC, London and Barcelona. And

couple of years ago I completed a Pg diploma in Contemporary art at the UB

(University of Barcelona), so I love all things creative.

Did you make art as a child?

Yes, in fact since I remember I’ve been drawing either as a designer or as an artist.

What is your earliest memory associated with art?

My father worked with antiques, so he used to have old paintings with religious

topics. I do remember drawing my own hands trying to replicate the physical

details of those paintings.

Please could you tell us who or what has had the most significant impact on you as an artist?

I believe the colours and forms of nature have the most significant influence on

my art, but I have admired many artists and designers during my career, to name a

few… Pollock, M.C Esher, Klimt, Botticelli, Warhol, Miró, Hokusai, Goldsworthy

and Van Gogh.

Please describe your practice in 3 adjectives

Mindful, Expressive, Resourceful

Where are you finding ideas and inspiration for your artwork right now?

My environment, nature, its forms, colours, materials, our connection with it.

What motivates you?

The act of creation, it comes from the heart…

Which item in your studio could you not live without?

Plants

Please can you talk to us in detail about the creation of one piece of your artwork.

Either outside in the mountain or the streets or at home I look for the material that

can be included in the artwork, I see it as a collaboration between the environment

and myself. I intend to have that connection with the materials. I prepare the

surface, usually with white. If it is food I’m using, I have the pigment ready after

crushing it, While I have an idea on my mind of the composition of the artwork I

let myself flow and pour the pigments on the surface. then I let them dry outside

and dehydrate using salt. Not every piece is equal so some of them need

retouching, some don’t…

Please could you tell us about the piece of artwork you are most proud of.

My latest pieces for ART360, I see them as collection series and they have organic

material on them, my plan is to be able to work with sustainable materials only.

What is the best thing about being an artist?

Freedom to create

The whole process of creation, from the idea in the mind, to scratch, to the search

of materials, to the creation of the artwork and the art-piece itself.

And the worst?!

Financial constrains, liquidity, and uncertainty.

What advice would you give those aspiring to make a living out of their art?

I think art is very personal, so as in every aspect of life the truth comes within.

What is the most important thing to know about you?

Realising that is not about me…

Please tell us one unexpected thing about you.

I run at mountain trails with eyes closed for few seconds sometimes, just to feel

closer to nature, and I know I’m going to fall one day…

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