We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sergio Farfán. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sergio below.
Sergio, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a Peruvian artist who came to Chicago in 2003 as a kid. Throughout my life, I was always fascinated with art and drawing. I took that passion to high school where I decided to look into colleges and start my career as a professional artist. In 2014, I attended art school as a graphic design major. However, my art teacher at the time suggested otherwise. He noticed my talents and advised me to switch my major to Fine Arts. Initially, I didn’t get what he meant by becoming a fine artist. I always envisioned myself working for a company which is why I initially pursued graphic design. In that same year, my art teacher had a solo show in Chicago and that was my first time being exposed to a gallery where an artist’s work was showcased and praised. Witnessing the attention and how confident people were in purchasing his paintings made me rethink my career path. It dawned on me that being a fine artist was a viable career, aligning with what my teacher was advising me to do back in school.
By 2016, I decided to drop out of art school and fully dedicate myself to my work. I secured my first art studio at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago, where I immersed myself in the artistic community. Monthly openings allowed me to display my work and receive feedback, an opportunity I hadn’t encountered in school. Simultaneously, I organized pop-up events in storefronts to showcase my art to colleagues, collectors, and gallery owners. Despite initial disinterest from galleries due to my age, these endeavors eventually opened doors in the art world, leading to gallery exhibitions throughout Chicago. In 2017, I dedicated all my time to becoming a full-time artist after facing workplace challenges that prompted me to resign. It was a monumental decision, driven by a promise to myself to never work for someone else again. In the same year, I seized various opportunities, including having my art in a private event where Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith played in front of my piece and co-curated successful activations/exhibitions.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the creative liberty it provides. It grants me the opportunity to explore diverse ideas and themes without limitations. Additionally, I have the privilege of creating artworks that hold personal significance, reflecting on my own experiences, emotions, and perspectives. Furthermore, receiving appreciation for my work is immensely fulfilling. It’s incredibly gratifying to know that my art resonates with people on a deep level, forging a connection that transcends words.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
It’s often challenging for non-creatives to grasp the challenges of pursuing a career in the arts. Many struggle to comprehend how artists can turn their passion into a sustainable livelihood. Growing up in an environment devoid of art galleries or artistic exposure, I can empathize with their perspective. The lack of visibility and understanding surrounding the professional side of being an artist contributes to the misconception that being an artist is merely a hobby rather than a viable career path- hence the phrase “starving artist”.
Moreover, traditional education tends to focus on historical artists who are no longer alive, neglecting to spotlight contemporary artists who are actively thriving in the industry. By showcasing present-day artists who have successfully built careers in the arts, educational institutions can inspire students to recognize the potential of pursuing art as a profession and offer them yet another life path that they can pursue if they choose. This shift in curriculum would empower young individuals to envision themselves as artists, fostering a greater appreciation for the diverse opportunities within the creative field.
Contact Info:
- Website: sergiofarfan.com
- Instagram: farfanart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergio-farfan-a67110116/
Image Credits
Matt Zuska Conrad Javier