We were lucky to catch up with Erick Salazar recently and have shared our conversation below.
Erick, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
After graduating from university I had kinda grew away from art making but I never stopped using my skills and creativity in everything I did.
With the encouragement of my wife I created an instagram account and started posting older work that I had saved. little by little I started making work again and eventually began applying to open calls, doing art walks, and markets. I took it one week at a time one rejection at a time.
Once local artists in my community were asking why I wasn’t doing more with background in art is when I knew I needed to start taking things a little more seriously.
Now I have a solo show I m working on for the Cultural Heritage Museum in San Benito Texas later this summer and I’m also managing and co curating a bimonthly pop up art gallery at Desposito: Nopalito in McAllen Texas.
Erick, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Erick Salazar I m a visual artist based in the Rio Grande valley.
I graduated from the College of Visual Art and Design from the University of North Texas in Denton.
I am also a United States Marine Corps veteran.
My work is rooted in the everyday objects and vocabulary that are present in the Rio Grande Valley. By Living and working in close proximity to the border my work is influenced by its very presence. I believe the border can be looked at as a kind of stitch. A metaphorical stitch that binds the Valley’s rich border culture and history together. Through the use of an interdisciplinary art making methodology The work I produce here in the valley aims to reinforce that binding and establish awareness of our ongoing cultural presence.
Art making is something that felt very natural and challenging at the same time. that’s what made me want to pursue it that’s what I love about it.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
You know I thought it would be something like getting into shows, making art all the time and all the good stuff like that. But honestly it’s helping other artists. Whether it’s showing them how to frame their work or helping them get into a show or art market. Thats what is really rewarding to me. Showing them the ropes and helping them get to where they would like to be. Building that connection and community is very rewarding to me.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
In my view all you need to do is show up to an art show. bring a friend. tell a friend to bring their friends. the best thing you can do to support anyone in anything that they do especially art. Is to just simply show up for them. And that will give them confidence and propel them their work and the art community forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @erickbsalazar
- Other: https://linqapp.com/erick_b_salazar?r=link
