Spanish graffiti artist CERE talks to ISSA

Getting his inspiration from old commercial signs or just a house number, CERE has become not only a Graffiti artist, but also a lettering master. Born and raised in Burgos (Spain) he now lives in Valencia (Spain) one of the most energic street art spots in Spain. After seeing his work we had to find out more, so let us introduce you Miguel Maestro Cerezo a.k.a CERE.

ISSA – Hi CERE, What You choose to drink? Coffee, tea, beer, soda or something else?

(CERE) Water

– Please introduce yourself to us:

Hello, I’m CERE.

– Where does your tag name come from?

It comes from my surname (Cerezo). I had to sign with other tag names, has I had some issues with the police. But now I sign CERE again.

– What do you consider yourself? Artist? Street artist? Anything else?

I define myself as a graffiti artist, the other concepts confuse me.

CERE Artwork (Spain)

– How did it all start for you, and what it is today?

I started painting abandoned ships in San Pablo and San Felices neighborhoods with my US friend Dave. I started painting the 3 letters “MIG” as I was limited by my sprays. Then I realized I had to find a tag name and improve my technique to avoid runs. Today, graffiti is for me an excuse to travel, it’s a good way to let off steam when I’m stressed in my studio, so I go out to paint something, and get in touch with the street.

-What Is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

I put my feet on the ground.

-Street Art is mostly a form visually stimulating art. To add another meaning to it, what music would you choose to accompany your art work?

Any great song from The Roots !

-In Any form of art, inspiration is critical. What inspires you?

The street, old commercial signs, a typical product from my country, a house number, nostalgia of my origins, family, travels, open a fire extinguisher, a wall, a freestyle.

CERE Artwork (Spain)

-Before Going to paint, what is on your checklist to take with you?

I always forget something so I always need to get back to my studio, but I can’t go out without my small cart, where I put all my stuff.

-Which cities do you think are the most inspiring for Street Art?

Valencia, Fanzara (editor’s note: a small village in Castellon / Spain, hosting an important street art festival) and Berlin.

-Do You have other passions besides art?

Yes, I recently started fishing with my Kayak, but I’m also a big fan of any street market, I like bargaining.

– Does your art include symbolisms, messages or repeated patterns?

It all started with a very typical dish from my city, called “Morcilla” (editor’s note : a blood sausage), sometimes “humanizining” it. Now I’m “deforming” it, turning it into something else while playing with the textures.

CERE artwork in Fanzara (spain)

-What Is your reaction when you realize that someone has vandalized your creation?

I just say to myself “what a Chi-chi”, as we use to call the “Toyacos” like this. (editor’s note : a “toyaco” can be understood, in spanish graffiti slang, as someone, that has a “too good” opinion of himself as a graffiti artist).

-What Do you believe people first think of, or feel when they see your works?

They might think “this guy is not right in the head”, in don’t know, I don’t really think about it.

– As an artist, do you feel having some kind of responsibility towards Society?

More than towards society, I feel having responsibility towards the street, integrate my work, find my place in the urban space.

-Do you have any Interesting projects for the future?

http://signlane.com/

Thank you CERE and good luck with your works.

Artist has a website.