We were lucky to catch up with Antonio Rael recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Antonio thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My earliest recollection of wanting to pursue art as a profession was at 5 years old. Art was an escape. It makes me so happy to be able to create. It is a form of expression but also a form of meditation. In addition, I started getting accolades from my friends, teachers, family and peers. I received awards in excellence for Art in grade school and high school before getting accepted into U.C.L.A. where I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Art (1986). Out of U.C.L.A., I began to share my art by teaching. I taught art to over 5000 elementary, high school and adults over a span of 20+ years. It was at that time that I decided to create art to share with the world and communities around me.
The past 26 years, I have worked professionally as an artist. My focus has been on acrylic painting and mixed media. I often paint images that are reflective of my Mexican-American heritage and spirituality. My signature painting style is bright bold colors and lines that create movement. My goal is to welcome the viewer of my work in and allow conversation regarding commonalities and the appreciation of the world around us through nature, icons and reflection.
I address issues in my paintings regarding equality, compassion, human rights, immigrant rights, Trans rights, women’s rights, book bans, children’s right to a complete education, diversity and inclusion to name a few. All of which are important to me especially since I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ and Chicano community.

Antonio, 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?

The past 26 years, I decided to really focus on my art. In 1999, I received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the U.S. Congress, a Certificate Resolution from the City of Los Angeles and a Certificate Resolution from the California Legislature Assembly. In 2002, I opened my brick-n-mortar store, Latino Pop Shop in West Hollywood, California. My goal was to bring attention to the art influence in popular culture by Latinos. I represented over 80 artists at the time and that started the Latino Pop Art movement which I established and it makes me very proud. Latino Pop Shop was featured on LA TV, ABC’s Vista LA and over 20 television news shows.
In 2003, I was published in several Chicano Art History books including ‘Contemporary Chicano and Chicana Art: Vol I & II’, ‘Chicano Art For Our Millennium’ and Triumph Of Our Communities: Four Decades of Mexican American Art’. In 2004, I was the winner of the WEHO Award for Best Visual Artist Award and the winner of the Best Business Award for Adelante Magazine.
Since closing Latino Pop Shop, I opened Uncle Tony’s House of Art LLC. I have an online shop on Etsy: artisticgiftgiving.etsy.com and I paint daily in my West Hollywood Art Studio. In 2019, I created artwork for Showtime’s series, ‘Penny Dreadful: City of Angels’ and I completed a mural for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 13 Emmy Nomination for VH1. I am available for art commissions, murals and public art projects. I also design merchandise for companies using my artwork and/or designs.
In 2020, I received a Visual Artist grant from the City of West Hollywood and I am an active member in my community. I am involved with several organizations to this day including Plaza de La Raza, Poder LatinX, Collectors of Chicano/Chicana Art to name a few.
I continue to be inspired by communities that are inclusive and fight for equal rights for all. I am a proud liberal democrat and believe in equality and diversity. These communities inspire my artwork and I hope that I inspire others to create and move the needle forward to a more inclusive, free and peaceful world.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Most recently I decided to pivot and create an LLC to protect my artwork. I am currently working with the SBDC on learning more to propel my business as an artist. I find that many artists, like myself, are constantly looking for ways of creating sustainability with their art. It is a constant battle and balance for me. Taking time to create artwork, protecting our images, making our art sustainable and creating a plan are all important to me. We as artists, as I have learned, must learn to take our art seriously as a business in order to protect ourselves and not only survive, but thrive.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think about this all the time. Businesses, corporations, friends, family and community members can support artists by reaching out and purchasing artwork, art merchandise and commissioning artists to create artwork instead of buying art in department stores. Not only are you supporting artists, but you are getting original artwork or prints that are personalized and special. Here is an example: “I have many relatives myself who are multi-millionaires. So many have never supported my art business. Instead of them purchasing prints from furniture stores, they could contact me and I can sell them art that I have already created or I they can commission me to create art for their home or business. It is that simple.”
As artists, we should not be expected to give away our art. It is our livelihood. It is how we feed ourselves, house ourselves and sustain ourselves. Include us when you are purchasing for your home or office. Pay us what we are worth. You will make our lives and the world a better place.

Contact Info:

• Website: uncletonyshouseofart.com
• Instagram: artistantoniorael
• Facebook: antoniorael
• Linkedin: antoniorael
• Twitter: @antoniorael
• Other: TikTok: california_uncle_tony Etsy store: artisticgiftgiving.etsy.com

Image Credits
Emilia Garcia (artist), Rudy Cardona (artist), VH1, Rupaul’s Drag Race, Symone(winner) and Kandy Muse(runner up) from Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 13