Interview by Jimon

1-How would you describe Jose Cacho?  I am a family man, I love spending time with my wife and sons. I like to do many things. I am involved in the agriculture development in Mexico and in a Disabled Children Foundation Also I am an advocate for Mexican farmers and of course in arts, which is my passion.

2-What part of Mexico do you call home and tell me what do you like the most about it? I have lived in many cities, but my home has always been Mexico City, A chaotic hyper-saturated but incredible city. Close to my family and most of my friends. I love all the culture and people in my world.

3-What school did you attend and do you think it was necessary?  I am an autodidact artist, I have painted since I was ten. I studied veterinary medicine, administration, management and business development, all my knowledge about art has came from my curiosity, I am always studying by myself and experimenting new ideas.

4-Do you remember the first piece of art you created and how old were you? I was ten years old. It was a “surrealist” work, painted with watercolors and inks.

5-How did you acquire your style?  Experimenting all the time, I don´t like to stay in the same place as an artist, I love to be moving and learning, using different and new techniques, taking some ideas from what I see every day.

6-Your pieces seem to be very time consuming, how many pieces do you usually produce in a year? I do about 30 original works per year.

7-What kinds of art hang on the walls of your home?  The most important are my kid’s works. I also have a few my own work. And some Remedios Varo, Jose Luis Cuevas, Dali, Modigliani and Chagall prints, engravings and a Javier Marin sculpture.

8-What’s a day typically look like for you, from start to finish?  I start at six in the morning, running for about an hour, then have breakfast and go to attend many meetings regarding all my jobs. I usually paint in the afternoon. I am very  disciplined and like to have my days organized to be sure that there is time for all my interests.

9-Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what?  Yes, I always listen to music. All kinds, depending on my mood. I love Leonard Cohen, Joaquin Sabina, Miguel Bose, Pink Floyd, Queen….. almost everything.

10-The future is _________.  To be happy and make others happy.

11-What book/film/work of art most recently captured your attention and why?  My favorite artist is Remedios Varo, I love her technique and meaning, my first screen print of Remedios Varo was a gift from my mom, so it is very special. One of the most inspiring books has been “the duplicated man” by Jose Saramago. The idea of having an identical human being inspired me to make some artworks. Recently I saw Bohemian Rhapsody, I liked not only the production and quality of the film, but also the passion of Freddy Mercury to change paradigms, take the lead and do things that nobody thought possible.

12-What influences you as an artist?  Almost everything, from an image in a newspaper, or a magazine, people walking in the street, a dress, the pattern of a plant, but mainly women. I think that influence and inspiration come from observation, daily work and discipline.

13-How do you define success?  Being happy!

14-Do you have a place/person/thing that you visit for inspiration?  My studio is the best place for me. My inspiration comes from discipline, work any museum or gallery.

15-Name three things in your studio that you can’t live without?  My acrylic markers, acrylic paints and alcohol emulsion.

16-If you could have dinner with 3 artists living/dead who would be at your table?  Remedios Varo, Salvador Dali, Picasso.

17-How would someone find you on social media (i.e. Instagram)? @jose_cacho_art