Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Enrique CHIU. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Enrique, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have been able to make a living from my creative work and skills. It has been a process of learning different techniques, new skills and experimenting throughout 20 years. Since I have always liked to work with the community it has allowed me to also work with many people, learn and grow, which at the same time creates new opportunities for work; in reality I don’t even consider it WORK because it’s really what I LOVE to do… being creative, helping bring light to important social issues in positive ways that I can, as well as sharing my knowledge and experience. I started at a very young age to acquire the knowledge in the arts, and take interest in social matters. At 12 I studied graphic design at a night school my grandfather helped me sign up for, I had my regular classes and also worked. My mind is always active, I’m always thinking what I want to do next, what can I learn next, where can I help?
The diverse activities produce different kinds of revenue flow; from doing a social mural I may sell a painting. From a social event I may get a client for graphic design, installation of neon signage, or a commission for a painting. It varies and I love the challenge. With time and now a lot more recognition due to the border mural “ Mural de la Hermandad “ I have had the opportunity to be more involved with the community and achieve projects that directly impact the less privileged; children and women, working with schools and getting the children involved in painting their school. With the pandemic my Work flow incremented, something I didn’t think would happen. But, I adapted to the situation just like we all had to and started doing Online interviews with other recognized people in different fields: Doctors, artists, designers etc. That led to collaborations: which in turn turn into more opportunities.
When it comes down to it I think that the work comes because I am actively working on working.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Well, that would take a book. In a few words. I was born in Guadalajara, and since I was seven years old I knew I wanted to be an artist. I saw on TV how you could travel the world if you were in the arts, how a ballet dancer from Jalisco could perform in Russia and be broadcast worldwide. I knew I wanted to be an artist. I believed in myself, I believed in my dreams and now I get to live them as my reality.
I think that one of the aspects that set me apart is that I hardly say “no” to projects or work (unless it financially is going to cost me in the end, I need to at least break even, it is my time, and lifetime of skills that I am participating and donating). I enjoy working on any projects that push me to think outside the box. From large metal sculptures, mega murals, designs for awards, interior design for local businesses, print work of all types; really anything that allows me to have creative freedom and innovation. Being humble and remembering where I come from, the work and struggles I have endured to be in the privileged position of being able to create a career doing what I love is a reason and motivation to want to share it with the world.
Since 2016 that I started with the border mural I have had the opportunity to do a lot of media spotlighting the immigration crisis which in part has led to interviews, TED-talk, and being invited to many different countries. Either doing social work, murals or giving conferences, the work varies; my enthusiasm doesn’t . The mural has attracted world wide attention especially since Trump was so set on building the border bigger, and the anti immigration laws. The idea of the “American Dream” were non existent for so many with hopes of a new and better life. I wanted to prove that We All Dream, and on this side of the border it is also possible. It is hard work, conviction and consistency but it is achievable. Letting go of insecurities and just doing it, with time it just becomes a habit and a part of who you are. An ARTIVIST.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I have several objectives, some goals and of course they all drive my creativity, and not only to create projects or do activities with people, but to leave a legacy, a message that lasts, that reminds those who participated that with art they can change their lives, save people and recover that lost space. Change the perspective and make it a reality as we have already done with more than 5,000 children in these 13 years.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

It is different, I think creativity is a gift that benefits those who have the courage to risk expressing themselves, anyone can be creative, artist in any way, look for the right time to demonstrate it and understand that it can be ephemeral or transcendental is one of the bases that has usually given me the way to do projects without fear that they do not come out, I have simply taken advantage of the opportunity or situation of the invitation. Art is for everyone…

Contact Info:

• Website: www.enriquechiuarte.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/enriquechiuarte
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/enriquechiuarte
• Linkedin: enrique chiu arte
• Twitter: @enriquechiu
• Youtube: Enrique Chiu

Image Credits
Enrique Chiu