A native of Lanzarote and a globally acclaimed artist, Paco sees his work as a deeply personal conversation with the very material he shapes
Do the sea, stone, nature and movement feature in all your works, or do they ebb and flow as it were, depending on specific creative moments and periods?
It depends on the creative moment. The purpose of the work is also an influencing factor. If working on a commission, I might have to stick to a specific theme or idea. When I work freely in my studio for sheer pleasure, themes of the sea, nature, and movement frequently emerge. These inspire me, and my work becomes a meditative journey.
Do you sculpt from the stone or reveal it from within?
I typically uncover the hidden form by removing the excess. I sculpt away what seems unnecessary, both in the figurative and abstract sense. But I always respect the stone’s unique qualities. The material itself guides my hand, and I adapt to its nature. Sometimes serendipity intervenes, like when a piece fractures unexpectedly and takes on an entirely new shape I hadn’t necessarily envisioned.
Figurative or abstract? Which style do you find more intimate?
Abstract. Working in abstraction allows for greater creative freedom.
Persistence, consistency, and… chisel or radial tool?
I use whatever the material allows me to use, but more often than not, it’s a combination of both.
I once read this quote of yours: ‘I try to make a work invite you to approach it. Some artists put up a ‘Do Not Touch’ sign. I do not. I want people to touch and feel my work because that conveys much more.’ What do you hope they experience when they do?
I want them to feel the emotion and texture of the material. I hope they connect with it on a meaningful level and appreciate the material’s tactile qualities. That’s important to me.
Is teaching another form of sculpture?
No. Teaching is a service to others, but sculpting is entirely for me. In that sense, they are quite distinct jobs. In teaching, the onus is on the student’s learning, so everything revolves around offering the knowledge and tools to create and finish a sculpture, whatever kind that may be. Conversely, in my studio, I indulge my own creative impulses, working solely on what inspires me at that moment. After over three decades of teaching at the Pancho Lasso School of Art, it’s time for me to fully immerse myself in my own artistic expression.
