Julio Granados

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I was born in Lima in December of 1969. I consider myself a man who is passionate about art. I especially like design and textile work and this is what I do. I love it! It always surprises me and I find that every detail is important.

There have been difficult times and I couldn't avoid them. No. I had to deal with the loss of two of the people who loved me most — my mother and my grandmother, This all happened when I was nine years old.

"So I had to reinvent myself from the time I was a child. I used art to do so, and still do. I'm a happy man who likes to make others happy. Although I couldn't have these loved ones with me longer, it was incredible how they were able to make me a happy boy and a happy man in the face of life's adversities. From childhood, they taught me to fight for my beliefs with values and love.

"The challenges along this path in life are infinite. But it's up to each one of us to overcome them and become a better person. Simply following your vocation in the arts is a great challenge in and of itself.

"The world is designed with stereotypes that want to see you as a loser if you haven't studied a 'solid' career. What these people don't know is that the artist has a deeper capacity to reinvent himself and interpret the world. This makes the world an easier place to live, with more positive sensations in every piece that we create.

"I've been drawing ever since I was a young boy. I've always loved it and I think my brain was 'hardwired' for art from the time I was born. I eventually studied in the School of Fine Arts at the Catholic University of Peru. After graduation, I went on to study graphic design in an art and design school. Later, I worked as a professor in illustration for several years.

"I was interested in illustration and design was always present in my work. I applied these techniques to everything. Without a doubt, during this worldwide pandemic, I decided to use my illustrations on face masks to combine my art with protection.

"What I love most is people's reaction to my work. My vivid colors are cheerful and make them smile. What more could I ask for?

"Along this artistic path, we never stop learning. Mastering our art is survival.

"I'm achieving my hopes and plans for the future little by little, and with much love and great effort. And I'm doing what I like most — creating. My hope for the future is to continue painting until the day I become a hummingbird of light and leave this world.

"My inspiration comes from nature and our feelings. Creating and motivating others are everything for my artistic soul.

"Art doesn't just beautify our world. It also reminds us that, in the end, we will survive and so we must begin to paint even in caves. Art will lift us up. It is wonderful to share this with you."