CONVERSATION WITH THE ARTIST
What is the focus of the work for this exhibition. What themes and ideas are you exploring?
The focus of my work consists of a body that ties back to my Mexican heritage, not only in subject but in color theory. It’s been really a good opportunity to also challenge myself to become a better painter over all using acrylics and brushes.
How is that different from what you have done in the past?
I think the difference between this body and a lot of my previous work is that I’m finally being presented with more opportunities to become transparent with myself and create work where no matter the result, I feel I can identify with best and most represent myself as an artist. Most of my work has been seen through murals and in public spaces; you have to always be mindful of your audience but this body has allowed me to build a consistency in work I want to continue to explore in different ways.
How well do you and Malt know each other? Have you collaborated in the past?
Rick and I have known each other about eight or nine years now – he met me coming right out of high school and was a big brother to me since then. Before that I already knew of his work since he had built a name for himself long before showing in galleries in the city. We have only worked alongside one another on walls before but have never collaborated or shown in a setting that’s just us two.
How do you think your work fits with the other artist?
I think to a certain extent we sorta balance each other – there are things we sort of share when it comes to wanting to work colors together to get a certain middle ground in our work, but even when the subject matter is different the work is still able to work off one another to not just be a one sidedly focused show.
Has the format of your practice been impacted in the last few weeks? Are you using different mediums or sizes?
I feel like in the last few weeks, it’s been a lot more useful to sit at home and marinate on ideas I have and not feel rushed to make decisions like I have in the past. Working under pressure can be a healthy challenge at times, but when you have more time to revisit certain parts of each painting it’s nice to know you don’t have to wait till the next one to make any improvements.
Does the social distancing aspect of this period help you focus or has it changed the trajectory of your work?
I personally have enjoyed the social distancing, I have accepted it as a great opportunity to reflect and readjust on things I’m not physically painting everyday to be honest, but mentally I do the days I don’t on a canvas, because I’m able to have more time to let ideas flow, I feel like all this for the better of the show and to feel stronger about what I’m putting out there.
Are there any apps or online tools that you find helpful in this time? (They don't need to be related to art making).
I listen to podcasts as something to play in the background as I’m painting. I really enjoy listening to interactions between people I admire or people I have no clue about. It’s always a good way to learn something without physically having to draw too much attention away from painting. Also movies have been a good way to take away from painting and lots of sleep ! Been loving to sleep in and work crazy hours lol
How are you remaining connected to friends and family?
I check up on my parents every two to three days. Both my sisters work in the medical field so it has been interesting to learn new things as they unfold each day. Definitely being cautious and learning that we don’t always need more than each other to have a good time.
What do you do to separate your practice from the rest of the day? Have you set boundaries or is it permeable?
I definitely premeditate the days I know I will spend the most painting and block out the whole day for it, I try to get as much done those days and put my phone on airplane mode so there’s no interruptions. I love to make the most out of the sessions because when I do, I have a lot more to look at in the time I take off to see what I want to keep or change on each painting or what’s needed to be done to be happy with it.
What have you been using for inspiration from home (tv shows, movies, cooking, reading)?
I’d honestly like to say music, during this time it’s beautiful to just start an album from track 1 and glide all the way through, I tend to grow more respect for musicians everyday as I make interpretations of what I think certain albums meant to them and what happened in their lives for that certain sound to come out etc.
Do you have any recommendations for books movies or other media?
The alchemist has been my fav book that I think represents this body of work so well, it is a great book when you are in need of finding your path and building confidence to own it.
