We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alec DeJesus a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alec , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
One of the most powerful experiences I’ve had as an artist was when I created my first large scale mural “They Made Their Own Wings They Made Their Own Way”. It was my first travel gig and I was in a tough spot in life which was a large part of the message of the piece. My future in many ways depended on this mural being a success.
The concept was one of hope. It showed a figure that had come from humble means and soared above them by using their talents, in this case: makeshift wings. The location I was painting this mural for was a college in Florida with mostly immigrant students, who were also seeking their brighter future from a dismal past.
During the painting process I shared stories with the students and found that no matter where people are coming from, we were all after the same thing…hope. I found ways through my art to connect with them and they were able to connect with me. This was the first time I had seen that even though my journey was a tough one, I could use it to inspire those who were also seeking something better.
Alec , 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’m a muralist/fine artist born in Chicago, IL, but currently operating out of Dallas, TX. I have been a full time artist now for about 4 years and growing fast. I feel like art was what I was always meant to pursue, but it was a long road getting there. Life wasn’t easy growing up and art was always my outlet. Eventually I got to a point where I saw that I could make a living being a creative, and I’ve been chasing that dream since.
For a long time I had focused on doing studio paintings, but once I moved to a more mural friendly area I truly took off in my profession. I feel like work that is about the human experience is more powerful when it’s large scale and in a public space. Being a longtime blue collar worker the mural grind feels more like home and I find romance in connecting through a city through its walls while I feel it’s buzz around me.
One thing I really strive for when dealing with clients is to take away the “pretentious artist” fear and provide a very easy and straightforward process. Many people don’t know how to “talk art” and find the process intimidating. By creating an easygoing, professional and fun experience I have found that people find a deeper value in the project when it’s done. They walk away with art and find memories, and that is one of the best parts of doing what I do.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think that that society needs to put to rest the idea of the “starving artist”. In every way the modern creative is a business, and more often than not people don’t consider this when contacting an artist for work. Exposure and pre-contract sketching are a few of many common issues that most artists face that regularly devalue the service provided by a creative of any medium. These are things that directly cut away at the profit of an artists business.
By respecting an artists rate and valuing their work, you’re not only showing that you understand their business, but you’re maintaining the value of the work you receive. When an artist is able to thrive in their market the value of their work also increases. With more people showing respect to the business of art there can be more successful artists out there beautifying their surroundings for a livable wage.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
My absolute favorite part of being a full time creative is the sense of fulfillment at the end of the day. No matter how chaotic this hustle can get I still rest easy knowing that I am working towards my own goals and dreams.
I spent many years working under demanding bosses of pursuits I couldn’t care less about who would replace me in an instant if I couldn’t get the job done. Nowadays I work harder and more passionately than I ever have, and I couldn’t be happier about it. I never clock out and I’m always on call, but I’ve never felt this sense of fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/alec-dejesus
- Instagram: @youcancallmealec
- Facebook: Alec DeJesus
- Linkedin: Alec DeJesus