An Interview with Local Artist Elena Ríos Who Inspires Us.

At Lanzawear, our designs are born from the island’s raw, elemental beauty—the black lava, the white architecture, and the deep blue ocean. To truly understand this essence, we must look to the people who interpret it best.

We sat down with Elena Ríos, a contemporary Lanzarotenean artist known for her stunning abstract works that utilize the very materials of the island: volcanic ash (picón), sea salt, and mineral pigments. Her work is a celebration of texture and resilience, echoing our own commitment to natural and authentic style.

Here is our conversation on living with the volcano, creativity, and the power of simplicity.

Lanzawear: Elena, your work is intrinsically linked to the landscape. We’ve seen you use ash from Timanfaya and salt from Janubio. How does Lanzarote inform your artistic process?

Elena Ríos: Lanzarote is not just a place to live; it’s a living studio. My process is a dialogue with the island. I don’t try to paint of the volcano; I try to paint with it. The black picón provides an incredible, raw texture—it speaks of heat, of permanence, and of a slow, geological power. When I mix the island’s earth with pigment, the painting becomes a physical extension of this land. It’s an act of respect.

Lanzawear: That aligns perfectly with our focus on organic cotton and natural materials. We believe in high quality that honors the raw material. What does “authenticity” mean to you in the context of your art?

Elena Ríos: Authenticity is simplicity. It means stripping away the unnecessary noise until you reach the core truth. Here, that truth is the contrast—the black lava against the pure white light, which is Manrique’s legacy. My most authentic work is often the most minimal: a single sweeping texture or a stark contrast of color. It doesn’t shout; it is.

Lanzawear: Do you see a connection between the island’s philosophy (as defined by Manrique) and the modern art being produced here today?

Elena Ríos: Absolutely. Manrique set the standard. His rule—that any human intervention must be integrated with nature—was not just for architecture; it was a creative manifesto. It taught us that minimalism is not a trend, but a necessity. The artists working here today, including myself, carry that forward by rejecting the artificial and working with what is real, whether that’s the texture of volcanic glass or the clarity of the Atlantic light.

Lanzawear: When you are not working in your studio, where do you find your moments of true inspiration on the island?

Elena Ríos: I love the dramatic north coast, especially around El Golfo at sunset. The way the light hits the green lagoon and the red cliff face is a constant reminder of the intensity of color hidden in this barren land. Also, the vast silence of the Chinijo Archipelago. It’s where the mind is forced to quiet down and listen to the island’s heart beat.

Lanzawear: Finally, if you were to pair a piece of your art with a Lanzawear T-shirt, which combination would it be?

Elena Ríos: It would be my piece “Malpaís Texture,” which is thick with black ash and white salt, paired with a simple, relaxed-fit Lanzawear Organic White Tee. The tee is the perfect, honest blank canvas. It’s soft, pure, and lets the natural texture of the art—and the island—speak for itself. It’s the ultimate statement of less is more.

Like Elena’s art, Lanzawear is about finding depth in simplicity and celebrating the resilience of the natural world. Find your authentic canvas.