Original Hermit Crab Aquatint Print 'Hermit Crab' Item ID: 2671808411

"I'm Alejandro Camacho. I believe myself to be a persistent man, dedicated and disciplined almost to the point of obsessiveness. Since 2007, I've taught in the University of Guadalajara School of Fine Arts and I also offer a few private classes.

"When I was a student at the school, I took a course on engravings with the professor Jesus Mata and I found it incredibly difficult. However, as time went by, this became my specialty.

"I later took printmaking classes with Pilar Bordes where I learned all the different techniques. I became engrossed in this work and discovered the alchemy inherent in it. I worked so hard that, without realizing it, I overlooked my health until my body was in crisis. The crisis became an existential one as well. Then the doctors diagnosed the origin of my problems, a gastric ulcer. Of course, I went into treatment and modified my eating habits so I could continue with my work.

"Today, I have my own printmaking workshop. Little by little, the engravings I do are becoming known outside its walls. For me, it's very important to refine the technical aspects so my art will be recognized and also rewarded. To discover all that can be achieved through printmaking, one must always be searching and also be persistent, to study and work a great deal.

"My inspiration arises from everyday life and happenings, from our customs, from nature and its creatures, from fantasy, and always from dreams. I love it when I'm able to interpret what I feel and express this in a work of art. The challenge is to seek and find new forms of expression.

"To make the prints, I work in a team with my brother and a friend. They enjoy their work and make sure the prints are clean and precise, which are necessary characteristics for a printer.

"We use plates of cobber, iron, linoleum, acrylic and wood, 100 percent cotton paper, and varnishes and inks that I sometimes modify and prepare myself. They're not difficult to work with but they do require dedication.

"Working on my own has been a constant challenge but it can be achieved. It seems that the most important lesson I can give back to the community is that you can diversify your work. And that when there's passion and dedication, it is possible to make a living as an artist."