We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carlos Fresquez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carlos below.

Carlos, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Only one direction, do I feel that it was meant for me to do in my life and that was to be a visual artist. It is the only thing that I wanted to do in my youth and that was to make things. I grew up poor. I recall, at age four, playing outside in West Denver with two old discarded popsicle sticks, forming an X with the sticks. In my imagination, it was an airplane, flying through the clouds. By the time I got to High School I knew that I would be a creative for the rest of my life’s journey. Right out of High School I got a job spray painting. On the job training allowed me to learn about the subtle nuances of paint. I had to learn about thinning down paints, changing the viscosity to be able to spray it. Meanwhile, right out of High School, I entered college. My university art courses taught me about the many directions and histories artists have taken over time, from the ancient to the contemporary. Once I graduated from college I started my creative practice. I exhibited in many exhibitions and was also able to get with several galleries who handled my works. About ten years out fo college I was making enough sales to be able to quit my spray painting job and focus fully on my creative practice. It took me ten years to garaduate and to make a living from my artworks.

Carlos, 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 was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. My family history goes back to four generations in Colorado and prior to, my family came from New Mexico. My last name, Fresquez was invented in New Mexico, the earliest document that lists my last name was in 1617, in Santa Fe. My paternal lineage goes back to both; the first European settlers in New Mexico AND the First Nations people of the Pueblo Nation. My DNA split me in half, half indigenous and half European.

I grew up during the end of the Civil Rights movements. In my youth I attended protests and marches in the Chicano Movement, known as El Movimiento AND AIM, the American Indian Movement. My first march was on September 16th 1969, I was 13 years old. That day I became politically and culturally aware of who I am and I then began what I call my Culture Quest. I began to ask my grandparents about who they were and where they were from. I lived in the library, reading and researching about my heritage. I realized that my past families were the first Europeans to settle in what is now the U. S..

My artwork in High School began to reflect my indigenous and ancient Mexican Heritage. My works was both political and culturally centered. I continued my Culture Quest throughout college and continue on this journey or path to this day.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I am so grateful that I became empowered at such an early age. This empowerment really helped me to deal with the racism that our country has harbored since it’s inception. As a child, I experienced anglo children taunting me, yelling at me, screaming; “Mexican! Go back where you came from!!!” You don’t belong here!!! Since I spoke to my grandparents and listened to speakers at the AIM marches and El Movimiento demonstrations, I knew that my family has been here for many, many generations, I am from here. If I go back where I came from, I just need to take a few steps back. I am from here. My family has lived in this region for centuries. I have been asked, when did your family cross the border? My response is, always the border crossed us. The U. S. Southwest was part of Mexico, most of Colorado was part of Mexico from 1821 to 1848.

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

Yes, my goal driving my creative journey is twofold. One, to create artworks that comment or speak to my heritage that can me smart and witty or very direct culturally. Two, to continue to educate others with their creative visual practice. I am constantly researching artists, art exhibitions and histories to improve my work and the work of others. I share my experiences and gained knowledge with other artist friends and former university students. I recently retired after teaching Art at the College and University level for over 33 years. Teaching is sharing, I will always share what I learn and what I experience. We all have to help one another to move up and forward to make an even better place for us to live.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carlosfresquez.com
• Instagram: @los_fantasmas_collective and. @_supersonicos_00s