Name: Israel Rodriguez

Nickname: Igato

Place of Birth: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico from mexican parents, and raised in Mexico City.

Artist/Photographer

At what age did you discover your passion for art? I was about 6 years old. I loved drawing all the cartoons I would watch on TV, especially Mazinger Z.

How would you describe your style? Like a flow of energy coming straight from my soul.

What is your favorite aspect of painting? I love being able to disconnect myself from all the distractions of our daily life. When I start painting it slowly takes me to a place where time doesn't seem to exist, I enter into a new dimension, into my own world. 

Who do you look up to? My mother and my grandmother. They both raised me and taught me to be respectful. They taught me to always be willing to help someone without expecting anything in return. 

What would be three words to describe your art? Passion, Culture, Roots.

 Why do you like panting portraits of classic reggae artist's? I identify myself with them because they have created the person I am today through the power of their music, and their devotion to god. I feel obligated to render a tribute to them.

What fascinates you the most about the portraits? I love being able to capture the essence of a persona, conveying their natural expressions and emotions. 

What would you like people to feel or think after looking at one of your pantings? I would love for them to like the art, but mostly I would love for people to get to know more about the artists I paint and the message in their music. Once knowing who these people were and did, one can have a better appreciation for the painting itself.

What inspires you the most? What inspires me the most is being at peace with myself and being surrounded by good company, like my family and friends. I love watching everyone getting along in harmony, living inspired too from their own projects and aspirations. Seeing everyone at peace and inspired inspires me.

What is your favorite medium and why? I like using acrylic paint because it dries fast, which helps correct errors faster if you're changing ideas or need to fix anything. You can also paint over it and take a different route if you decide to. 

Favorite style painters? I like the Renaissance Era, painters like Caravaggio, Michaelangelo, Da Vinci, and Peter Paul Rubens.

How do you relate to Todo Tranquilo's message? I relate with Todo Tranquilo's message because I feel like it's describing me as a person. Im tranquil and friendly. I'm good friends with Tony the owner and it's definitely the vibe we share, todo tranquilo.

Where can people buy your art or contact you for a custom panting? They can contact Todo Tranquilo at info@todotranquilo.com or they can contact me directly at igato@hotmail.com