Modern Ink on Paper Snake Wood Block Print with Black Mat 'Cempasuchil Snake' Item ID: 2671798779

"I'm Raul Fabricio Torrez Martinez, but I sign my work as R. Fabricio. "I'm a thinking person who values the here and now although I still have hopes and dreams because, without them, it's hard to get ahead. I'm a teacher by profession, teaching art history and the history of graphic arts in Mexico. I love the visual arts, drawing, painting and architecture.

"Little by little, a desire to learn from the great engravers in Mexico history was born in me. Finally, I decided to experiment on my own. Sometimes I think I'm a late-blooming artisan, as I've been developing my art only since 2015.

"It took a tragedy in my life for me to decide to do something with my hands. However, this helped me as I learned this exciting technique — printmaking. I understood that I had to put my worries aside and dedicate time to the things I want to do.

"This isn't the first time I've worked on my own. But at this moment in my life, it's been a very stimulating experience because it is precisely experience that helps us understand that time is on our side.

"Without trying, I've been able to observe that there's almost always something in my work that's related to history, or symbolic elements that refer to history. I think this is perhaps because the search for meaning in my present life comes through an understanding of the past. Among other things, some of my prints make reference to my own life experiences.

"Almost everything I know about printmaking, I've learned from the master artist Alejandro Camacho. But after being self taught and with much patience, I can now do 100 percent of the process — I design, create the plates and make the prints.

"My main materials are linoleum or shoe soles, acrylics, wood, sheets of copper, MDF. As far as making my materials, I've only made tools such as chisels and metal points.

"The most exciting part of the process is the moment when you lift the press to see the first proof, and see the image on paper of what was previously the plate. This process always brings surprises because it may reveal a defect or spotting. Every single new project is a challenge in and of itself.

"My workshop is on the outskirts of the city. Some of my neighbors have suggested I depict the flowers, plants, animals and wooded areas here. This might help us appreciate and care for the natural wonders we are privileged to enjoy."