We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ernesto Guerra a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ernesto, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have always enjoyed painting since I was very young, however I never thought I could make a career out of it. I studied Hotel management and worked for in the hotel industry for many years. I was able to gain experience very quickly and climbed the ladder of success. One of many stressful days changed everything when I began to hear a loud ringing sound in my ears. it turned out to be something called tinnitus which was life altering for me. I literally thought I was not going to be able to live life this way. I decided to leave my career in New York and moved to Houston to be close to my family. While trying to adjust to this traumatic time in my life I began to paint again. Immediately I noticed that when I painted the ringing in my ears would almost go silent. I was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude to find my unexpected form of medicine. I began to paint daily and continued to enjoy the medicinal benefits that came with the practice. Today I have become a much calmer and grateful person because of art and I try to inspire others to heal through the power of creativity.

Ernesto, 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 art career has become my biggest surprise and has turned into my everything. I have been able to experience a part of my life that I never expected. I have had many solo exhibits throughout Houston that have helped me gain skills and exposure. My greatest moments came when I moved to Puerto Vallarta Mexico to pursue creative opportunities I was there for five years and was able to exhibit, teach art classes and even opened my own gallery. I felt that I accomplished so much while I was there, however not having my family close by began to take its toll. I decided to move back to Houston to reconnect with my family and seek new and exciting creative experiences. I have slowly begun to create new collections and exhibit my work. It hasn’t been an easy career to pursue as most of my profits go right back into my art, however the medicinal benefits I get from painting make me feel healthy, grateful and purposeful. I look forward to every project that comes my way and the opportunity to inspire others to heal through art. I am currently looking for new projects, so if you have piece of art you would like to commission or a mural idea I would love to make that a reality for you.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of my art career is the healing properties that I receive from creating. My tinnitus originally made me feel suicidal, however now it’s become what I am most grateful for since it brought art into my life. Art heals the body, mind and soul, while keeping me optimistic about the future.

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

I hope that my story can inspire people to be creative. I am living proof that the creative process help you heal and cope with life’’s challenges. While creating art you allow yourself to let go of your worries and only focus on the project at hand. I think the mind needs a chance to process your circumstances, and art is the way to give your mind the space to do it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Guerraartworld.com
• Instagram: @guerraartworld
• Facebook: @guerraartworld
• Youtube: @guerraartworld

Image Credits

Ernesto Guerra