Be a sponge

In the last lesson with Penny we had the opportunity to share our sources of inspiration with other peers as an exercise of widen up our influences.

These are the 10 things that most influence me:

Brian Finnegan

My first interest in arts was given by an inherent interest in Celtic music from a very young age. Very interested in Spanish artists like Hevia, Carlos Nuñez or Anxo Lorenzo I ended up knowing the awesome Irish musician Brian Finnegan through his music band, Flook, which I listen to quite often lately. His unique way to interpret Irish music and mixing it with other styles in such a powerful way makes me believe there is nothing impossible and it is very inspiring not just because his music bring memories from my past, but also I have the feeling of being able to experience others' while I am enjoying it.

Paco de Lucía

I did not want to fill this post with musicians, but I had the moral obligation to mention this genius I have known for my entire life but I decided to start listening to him a couple of years ago, when I found out he passed away (how mainstream and despicable is that?). Not being an expert in flamenco myself (I am Spanish but since I grew up very far away from the mainland - Canary Islands - I do not have the same influences) I really enjoy it and I can be listening to it all day long. Not any flamenco though, as there is a lot of rubbish and vulgar sub-genres, but the one who dares to mix with jazz and other similar styles. Other artists I like in similar genres: Jose Mercé, The Gipsy Kings or Camarón.

Salvador Lleo

This cinematographer came from the same lost island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that I come from, but there are a few differences between us (please, notice the sarcasm): he owns a cinematographic studio in Los Angeles and has worked with important artists, such as Noel Gallagher, Sho-Hai and many others, and has been accepted in the American Film Institute's Cinematography Discipline. His work as cinematographer both impresses and inspires me in so many ways... but over all I have to highlight the unique shots, colour correction, photography and style. He is a complete unknown both in Spain and in the rest of the world, which surprises me. Part of me wants him being recognised, and another part rather not to, since his beautiful style might be affected by that. This is his website.

Pete Rock and Hip-Hop

If someday there is a film about my life, Pete Rock would be in charge of supplying the music for the O.S.T. This hip-hop producer has the ability to create a sound for a sun beam - or at least that is how I feel it - and to me his music is suitable for every single moment in my life. Needless to say how inspirational that is.

Other hip hop artists I like are Guru, C.L. Smooth, Group Home, Tribe Called Quest and many others. Despite Common is not amongst my favourites, his beat and music video of Be makes me fly through my imagination.

Pete Rock - A little soul

Common - Be

Games

From a very young age Final Fantasy universe has affected the way I see the world. The person responsible of this is probably Yoshitaka Amano, illustrator and character designer. Cannot really say how this series affected my taste and the way I make graphical decisions, but probably more than I think, as I played the numbers VII, VIII, IX, X, X-2, XII, XIII and XIII-2.

Another game that have influenced my tastes has been World of Warcraft, as it was the platform I used to meet my friends from the distance and spend good time 'together'.

Other games: Fallout, Assasins Creed, Metal Gear and also the card game Magic: the Gathering.

Hideo Kojima

Despite I already mentioned Metal Gear, one of this genius's creations, I think he deserves to be spoken about alone. To me this person is a master mind capable of the most unthinkable twisted plots the humanity has had the pleasure to experience. A very sad event happened a few months ago when his first horror video game - Silent Hills - , working alongside the Mexican film director Gillermo Del Toro, was cancelled because of some differences between the company Konami and Hideo. Without any doubt it was going to be a revolutionary horror experience. All they released was a demo (unavailable now) called P.T. (Playable teaser): Sillent Hills. You can watch on the link a gameplay made by the youtuber theRadBrad, if you dare watching it.

Japanese Language

I know a little bit of Japanese and every time I am asked why I learn it I say: "Because it is the best language in the world!". I admit I like some anime and some Japanese video-games and things like that, but it is not among my main interests. Although, the language itself is. Writing it, starring at it and listening to it is inspirational to me.

Andzej Dragan

Politically incorrect, daring, unique... those are some of many words I would use to describe this Polish doctor in quantum physics but also photographer, musician and videographer. His work started in 2003 when he developed his own technique called "retuszem światłem", retouch of light in Polish. His work seems taken out from an obscure alternative reality.

Darren Aronofsky & Charlie Kaufman

Both screenwriters are two of my favourite minds when creating plots. While Darren Aronofsky was a master mind in films like Pi, Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain or The Wrestler Charlie Kaufman is responsible of master pieces like Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind or Synecdoche, New York. I would say most of these films are mandatory in a person's life! So if you are reading it make sure you watch these incredible works.

The Sopranos and Lost

At some point I really started to like everything related to the italian mafia. One always starts with the basics: The Godfather, Pulp Fiction, The Departed, etc. And eventually one finds something outstanding, entertaining and so well done that you lose track of time and reality. This show is so good that you cannot picture the actors out of this context. It feels like looking the real mafia through a hole in the wall.

Many other TV series have impressed me, but after Sopranos just Lost really deserves to be mentioned. This sadly misunderstood series are one of the best things that have happened to my brain: after watching it I am much flexible! Lessons about philosophy, life, decision making, and a long etc. take place in this fabulous piece of art.