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Estrada

Pepe Bernardo Estrada Centurión was born on 12 March, 1975 in Cajamarca, where he did most of his studies, including modeling and sculpting. He has also trained as a theater clown, studied creative design, and has graduated in Fine Arts, which allows him to teach painting too.

"When I was a child I already knew that I would be dedicating my life to art. I used to spend most of my afternoons at my uncle's workshop just to watch him carve wood into beautiful sculptures. I was so fascinated!" says Pepe as he shares his recollections.

"I have always been a very creative person. The warm place where I was born, the trill of birds, the color of the butterflies, the exuberant vegetation, the giant hills and the perfume of flowers all marked my destiny as an artist. I began by playing at creating forms and drawing, and soon I realized I couldn't stop. Painting is the biggest gift God could have given me. When I paint I forget everything and I am happy. It is my reason for living.

"I work as a portrait artist, and during my free time I paint that which I feel the need to express, when I'm inspired. Otherwise, I use the time to read, visit art galleries or travel.

"I'm very interested in my country's history and culture, from the Chavin to the time of the Conquest. I'm fascinated with the oneiric world that once existed, the magic and cosmogony, which is what I try to convey through my compositions. To me, art is a type of communication, the subtle telling of a story.

"I have exhibited my work in Cajamarca and Lima. Dedicating my life to art is indeed the biggest challenge I have had to face. The life of an artist isn't easy, but I believe the greatest gift in life is art, in all of its forms and expressions, so I persevere. I want to enjoy it and share with the rest of the world through Novica, and that in itself becomes an incentive to keep on painting."