We were lucky to catch up with Alfonso Juarez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alfonso, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I think it was very difficult for me to view myself as an artist. I’m first generation, my parents came from Mexico to Los Angeles to give ma better opportunity. I was always told that Art or creative paths were always meant to be a hobby. A majority of my life was centered around math and science, I ended up getting a degree and software engineering. It wasn’t until I lost my job that I had an opportunity to focus on my art, I never really intended to fall in love with it as much as I did. Even when I started doing art everyday I would never introduce myself as an artist or talk about my art with other people. Somewhere along the way I found the confidence in viewing myself as an artist, i started putting my all into my art. I am so glad that I did.

Alfonso, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a 28 year old, Mexican-American, visual artist whose work spans mediums including acrylic, pastels, clothing design and curation

Coming of age in Los Angeles, I spent my free time exploring the city via it’s Metro line, making a point to get to know each stop and drawing inspiration from the many, diverse, neighborhoods which helped introduce me to my passions in life – music, sports, and cartoons.

When I rediscovered and committed to visual arts in his adulthood, I brought with him decades of deep pop culture knowledge and a desire to examine the individual’s role within society.

Over the past year and a half my focus has shifted toward curation. I really enjoy bringing people together to appreciate art and the artist that make it. Seeing artist talk about their work and showcase their talent brings me a lot of joy.

It has been 1238 doing art every day (While I write this and I plan to make art every for the rest of my life.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I just want to make what i love. I think the reason that I am so dedicated to what I do is that it makes me Happy. I want to pour all of myself into my art, not really concerned with anything else. I am very thankful that I found art.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I dont really think that there is good or bad, right or wrong when it comes to art. I never went to art school, so the only perception i had about art was what I learned from the media. I was so focused on everything being perfect when i first started. I dont really think I was a fan of the work I was making. Then there was comparison. Looking back it all seems so silly. I have been able to appreciate so much more for what it is rather than what I want it to be. That goes for both my art and others. It was a major shift for me as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://finito-juarez.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: finitojuarez