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

Felipe, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

I’ve always chosen the path less taken. I try to stay out side the box and create with out any distractions or limitations. My abstract metal series has its limits Bc most individuals can’t understand the meaning. When the meaning is creating and evolving. My mind lets me see how it will look in the end with out so much planning. I’m an organic artist constantly upgrading my techniques. Understanding that I’m creating a path not yet molded so when obstacles present them selves, I know that I have the power and oversight to make my own decision in the process of creating. Misunderstood? Yes. Mischaracterized? Yes. Because in the end that’s what makes you.

Felipe, 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?

My name is Felipe Santos Velez, I am a “Mixed Media Fabrication Welder Artist”. I don’t know if that’s a title but I do it all. OG from Oak Cliff, native to the land and culture. I’ve been an artist for most of my life. I grew up watching and learning from my mom who is a designer and seamstress. I first got introduced to welding when I attended Booker T. Washington High school for the performing and visual arts. Painting/Jewelry/Fibers/Ceramics/Design all played apart of my growth but my passion I found in Welding gave me an outlet and escape from life in general. With that passion I developed my first abstract sculpture series titled “Escape”and I’m still adding to it. I’ve been fabricating/welding now for 11 years. Working with aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, wood, plexiglass, glass, and stone. Creating anything a client needs or designing and visualizing my next sculpture. Typically most clients have no idea what they want. My job is to listen to their needs, wants and help them visualize what they are wanting me to create. I like to make my clients feel like any issue or concern they have I can solve for them. Keeping good energy and a good connection with my clients is what makes my craft special. I can’t place my self into a category or lane. Im always thinking outside of the box and constantly evolving. Art is one of hardest industries to succeed in and I’m proud of myself for not giving up. Any vision that is brought to me I can execute. From furniture,sculptures, custom acrylic signs, metal roses, car mods, gates and the list goes on.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Goal : Making a name for my self to provide a stable life to my Wife BB and my kids Mason, Amella and Kaylee. Mission: To move forward toward boulders.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Turning nothing into something is the most rewarding & Seeing the reaction and emotion of peoples viewpoints.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: AperZaper