The infinite touch of bold softness: Who would have thought that a breeze of nostalgia, pop, baroque and infinite sensitivity could be translated into pictures that easily. @JoeCruzStudio knows how it gets done.

Your art-work is a mix of re-photography, soft pastel, oil pencil, laser & inkjet print. Please, tell us how you create your sublime paintings and about your process of creation in general.

Each of my series I develop a new way of working, I am constantly searching for new processes/techniques. I get restless very quickly and what excites me are these new discoveries.

Your painting/creation picturing Amber Valetta reminds me of that one fantastic painting from Gerhard Richter: „Ema (Nude on a Staircase)“ from 1966. What masters inspired you, when you first got into art?

Thank you, Gerhard Richter has most definitely inspired me. I admire so many but a few early influences would be Max Beckmann, Pablo Picasso, Diego Velazquez.

Talking about your own art: which one is your favorite piece so far?

Abroad -2018

This is my favourite piece, I was so happy to discover this image, I found it after watching mountains of 1990's amateur home movies on youtube and screen-shot this fleeting moment. Aesthetically it has a lineage to Baroque painting, its dramatic, exuberant, uses of deep colour, grandeur and surprise. Knowing how far this artwork is from the source material always gives me a smile and I enjoy the complete subversion of the work.

Name one or two art pieces from all over the world that might still intrigue you to this very day - and why the do so.

Bronzino - Venus, Cupid, Folly and Time - 1554. When I discovered this painting by a student I was transfixed by it. Its meaning, darkness, mystery and sexuality. Earlier this year I went to the National Gallery and saw it again in a new light. Discovering symbolism which I had first overlooked. I do not ever get tired of looking at this image, it holds a sensuous quality for me.

If your work procedure was a poem - what words would you use?

Bish, Bash, Bosh.

You were born in London: what is your relationship to London during the pandemic?

I was born in Tottenham, North London.Currently I live in Hackney. During the pandemic, I have been in the studio nearly everyday, which is a 5mins cycle from my flat. My favourite aspect of the first lockdown was being able to cycle through central and it being empty, it felt like a real treat.

Who is your favourite fashion designer at the moment - and why?

Sadie Willaims, she always inspires me, I have been sharing a studio space with her for the last 3 years and going through her work is like opening a treasure trove, her work is complex but bold, her creations are captivating, graphic, intricate and layered with meaning. I find her unique vision admirable and fascinating.

How do you find your inner peace and quiet? Do you need it?

Yes, I need it. It's exercising or being active. I have always trained very hard, I did karate for 20 years until a bad knee injury curtailed me competing, now I do kickboxing. Competing over the years in karate competitions has helped give me discipline and peace but it is the complete release and adrenaline rush which I crave.

Please finish the sentence: The future is...

fascinating.