We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful AGONZA. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with AGONZA below.

Hi AGONZA, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

My Journey of having a full-time creative job was not easy and to this day it continues to be a challenge to maintain. I began as a community worker in different fields of social work. During the beginning of my life, the art industry had not evolved as much in regards to BIPOC inclusion. Also, the adults I had around me did not see it as a career which was a big influence on my confidence. Art was always a passion and leisure I enjoyed although was difficult to see as full-time as I was not seeing a profit or investments in others. Not seeing financial income wasn’t something that discouraged me because I viewed my art as something that truly fulfilled me and assured me that I had a talent that I was good at. Especially with my struggle with depression, it give me a purpose and peace of mind like meditation. Although I began sharing my art on socials as social media began evolving. I then had strangers complimenting my art and it encouraged me to submit my art to projects and include my art into my workplace to be able to add to my resume.
As time went by people began offering my projects and I began applying to larger and larger projects. For each project, i got accepted the larger the project became and I began investing more time into my art as the public demonstrated their love for my art.

AGONZA, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Queer Latin X Rhode Island public artist, native to Providence. I’ve drawn my whole life. Now I have turned my drawing skills into paintings as I fell in love with blending paints to create smooth or textured surfaces. Acrylic paint on walls and canvases has been my primary go-to passion. Although I have painted on many surfaces throughout my art career. The ability to absorb and feel the environment around where I will be painting has become a tradition within my creations. As well as all the conversations and feedback from those who spend most of their time around the area. In some cases, (not all) I tend to incorporate a figure that has a combination of resemblance to many who I believe may spend time in this area and it may resonate with them. Mostly those who may put a smile on their face or simply give them motivation during the time around the painting. The process of my art is not somewhat modern as some may say. I mostly tend to use doodle grids and or the texture of the wall to guide me to ensure all my work is proportionate and exact to my concept design. Once a blue moon, I will use more modern technology such as a projector if time is limited. After this, I color block the colors of all the undertones of the image. When completed I go back in with details to ensure more of a realistic perspective. When completely dry I give multiple coats of sealant to extend the life and durability of the art. As I’m very big on quality and durability.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The Most rewarding part of being a muralist is it costs $0 for the community to view and enjoy my art. The fact that government funding is being allocated to me and I’m not restricting my viewers by putting it into an art gallery. I feel honored to be able to do that and still earn a living wage for my self.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During my childhood verbal and physical abuse was very common in my life. Receiving this abuse was a form of discipline in my culture and mental health was not something looked upon positively. I had to teach myself how to heal from the trauma and then teach those family members around me how to heal as well was a huge challenge. I truly believe my art was a huge milestone and influence on healing my mental health. My art helped me grow in all aspects.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.agonza.com
• Instagram: @agonzaart
• Facebook: AGonzaArt
• Youtube: AGONZA ART