Rafa Ruiz adds color to the Mendoza course's beginning

The course began with many questions and uncertainties at the academic level, but also with a greater desire to return to school. The management team at IES Antonio de Mendoza wanted to inspire its students in a new and unique way, and also to provide a change of scene for the center. Alcala Rafa Ruiz, an artist from Alcala Rafa Ruiz, was contacted by the management team. He explained to IDEAL that he was looking for a welcoming area to keep his students informed and spread joy. After hearing their ideas, I immediately thought of two large murals to bring about the desired change.

The center now has two murals at the entrance. Ruiz started work in July last year on the study of this space. This was completed during the last week of August. I have used acrylic paint and wood panels. I considered using wood as there were tiles around the area that needed to be repainted. The panels were screwed on top to avoid painting the tiles. After the panels were fixed, I painted over the tiles and he commented on the part of the wall that had no tiles. Two murals that were inspired by simple geometry and nature. He explained that the design is inspired by shapes from flowers and leaves. To create the composition, I mix these natural forms with triangles, squares, and circles. Many times, I did not have a sketch or reference to help me in this process.

Rafa Ruiz hopes to convey a message through his work to all students at the center. I want to spread freedom and confidence so that every young person feels in control of their future and capable of making decisions in the present. External pressure is strong for youth today. I want them to be able to trust me and to focus their lives on what interests them. They will be able to dedicate their lives to what they love if they put in the effort, enthusiasm, and determination, she said. This is a message young people need to understand and empower themselves for their immediate future.

Rafa Ruiz has been able to use this piece of advice as a guideline because he is completely dedicated to his passion. This Alcala man is currently working on several projects that he shared with IDEAL. I am currently working on different custom orders. He acknowledged that he tries to find the time to paint, regardless of what project is being proposed. The creative school for adults and children that I started last year, which I had to end due to circumstances, is another branch of my work. He said that we will resume painting classes in October. However, I am still waiting to see how schools make progress towards having prevention references. He is currently working on an illustrated book. It will be the story that won the Story Contest for Equality 2020 in Alcala la Real.

Ruiz, despite the difficult situation of the pandemic, sees the positive side to everything. He believes you must live with no fear and look forward, because, as he has said on several occasions, "Everything is for good."