On 13 March 2022, Telemadrid broadcast the programme "Ruta 179" dedicated to Miraflores de la Sierra in which I had a few minutes to talk about the commissioned works I have in the municipality where I live and where I grew up. The whole report was wonderful and I am very grateful that they also showed my more personal works . I'm going to tell you a bit more about what these commissions meant when I did them, before sharing the video of my intervention.

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In 2003 the homage to the "Perrero" was inaugurated, a sculpture that represents a deep-rooted tradition in Miraflores, which is passed down from generation to generation and which is already part of the most colourful festivities in the Community of Madrid. During the time I was modelling it, during the assembly and its unveiling, I was deeply moved, it was a great responsibility and all I could think about was to capture the essence of this character with respect and fidelity. In my work I eliminate the superfluous, I go for synthesis and in a figure full of details (embroidered Manila shawl, beads, ribbons, shirt with spaghetti straps, lace, cowbells, hat...) it was a challenge that I had to face without losing my own stamp.

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The moment of discovering the work I have been commissioned always generates a few seconds of uncertainty, understandable, right? there is no turning back and you have to see the faces of those who contemplate it for the first time and who will see it every time they pass by it in their daily lives. Living in the same place the pressure is even greater. Fortunately it was very well received and is a reference for neighbours and visitors.

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In 2008 I was presented with the opportunity of a really difficult challenge, the commission for the bust of Vicente Aleixandre, winner of the Nobel prize for literature in 1977 and who was closely linked to the village. A portrait has to capture the deepest essence of the main character, it had nothing to do with the figure of the dogcatcher who was a neutral face.... Moreover, it would be located in a relevant place.

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How would I go about it? I needed as many photographs as possible of Vicente Aleixandre and that wouldn't be a problem, there were plenty. Why did I need so many? For me, the essence of each person is in their look and their character and gesture is maintained despite their age and this brilliant poet had an endearing smile, a gesture that presented him as friendly, approachable, with style and personality (I loved his polka dot tie), so that was what I had to transmit: his smile.

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Another aspect that interested me was to integrate the poetry into the sculpture itself and give it a bit of movement, so I made an asymmetrical cut and on the back I engraved by hand on the bronze a part of the poem that he dedicated to the poplar, since he would be looking at it from the front. Sculpture is a discipline that can (and should) be seen around it, it has to be interesting from any angle and that is something I always keep in mind, including that poem completes and defines the identity of such an illustrious neighbour.

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I would like to thank the different municipal corporations for the trust they have placed in me to create these sculptures that form part of their heritage. Working with planes and eliminating details to reinforce the essence of my work is a personal commitment to transmit emotions in a direct and close way. In the more figurative commissioned work I have to balance the needs of what is represented and my own way of understanding and living this discipline that conquered me, it is always difficult but achieving it is gratifying. I would like to thank all the neighbours of Miraflores who encourage me to continue creating and follow my career.

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If you still don't know this beautiful mountain village, I invite you to visit it and enjoy everything it has to offer. You are sure to come back...

A hug, in video!