We recently connected with Audrey Rodriguez and have shared our conversation below.

Audrey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Drawing was something that I always did as a kid. When I turned 18 I decided I wanted to study art in college. My parents weren’t crazy about me majoring in Studio Art, so the compromise we landed on was that I would major in Art Education. I enjoyed my time at the University of Texas at Brownsville, but I didn’t feel ready for grad school or even know if I wanted an MFA. Mainly because I felt that I needed to develop my skills more. In 2012, I moved to New York from Port Isabel, TX. I studied at the Grand Central Atelier and the Art Students League of New York. Both schools focused heavily on technique, and painting and drawing from observation. For four years I studied full-time and worked 2-3 part-time jobs at once to be able to afford both school and living in New York.

Learning the craft of drawing and painting was all about persistence and staying open. You have to be able to receive criticism and apply it to your work when valid and constructive. It’s all about the time you put into it, and not being afraid to make something “ugly.” Also, with oil painting, it’s important to know your materials well and how to properly handle them. Putting the time into learning how to draw and paint, for me was time well spent. I feel pretty comfortable with how to use different mediums and how to approach a painting or drawing. At the same time drawing and painting will always find a way to keep me humble because completing a piece is not always so easy.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve lived in New York for almost 12 years, and originally I’m from Port Isabel, Texas. I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Texas Brownsville and graduated in 2012. At the time my paintings focused on border issues like the drug war and immigration. I know these issues reach far beyond the border, but there is a difference when it affects your day-to-day life and isn’t just a headline that you read on the news. When I moved to New York my focus shifted. Of course, those issues were still important to me, but I wanted to be a little more subtle with my social critiques. I found that food as a subject matter was key in doing just that.

Now, I don’t plan on moving back to South Texas, but I will admit that I really miss the food. I used to live by a bakery called Reyes Bakery, and I remember they sold conchas, (a Mexican sweet bread). My mom would send me to buy some early in the morning, and I remember eating them when they were fresh and still warm. They just tasted like love. Every time I paint I try to channel that feeling.

My current work is about street vendors and the food they sell. When I look at street vendors I see hardworking people just trying to make an honest living. Many work all hours of the day, and late into the night. There are so many associations we can make with food, but what’s key is that people are behind everything we consume. Really that’s what it comes down to, I’m painting about people, the good, the bad, and everything in between.

In 2022, I graduated from the New York Academy of Art, and I received a 3rd year fellowship. Mentoring students was one of my favorite parts. Mentors have always played an important role in my development as an artist and educator, and it means so much to be able to give back and help others pursue their dreams.

Receiving my MFA has allowed me to achieve my goal of teaching in Higher Education. I teach painting and drawing in the Illustration Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and I’m enjoying it. Being an artist can look like different things. Typically two extremes come to mind, you either think of the starving artist or you think of the art star, but in reality, there’s everything in between. In my case, you can teach and be an artist.

We are all connected, and we all play a role in society no matter what our profession is. I think about that both when I paint street vendors and when I’m teaching. Art is for everyone. Art is food for the soul. Alimento para el alma.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I strive to make art that reflects society in one way or another. Art mirrors the world and the main goal is to be able to sustain my practice so that I can continue to make art that does just that.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Even though the actual production of my work is done mostly in isolation in my studio, one of the most rewarding things that comes out of being an artist is the community. Not just with other artists, but with art enthusiasts as well. You just have to be willing to put yourself out there and connect with other people. So many wonderful opportunities (exhibitions, teaching gigs, etc.) have come from having a strong community. I feel so fortunate to have that.

Contact Info:

• Website: audpaints.com
• Instagram: @audweepaints
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-rodriguez-b3391a4a