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

Luis, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

This is a very interesting topic for me. I remember the very first $50 I earned from the first painting I sold. It was at the very first festival where I was invited as an artist. Of course I wanted to sell the pieces I had brought, but I had absolutely no expectations for the event in terms of selling my artwork. The lack of expectations helped tone down any disappointment the rainy day seemed to bring. This was a street festival, but attendance was naturally low because of the rain. However, just before it was time to wrap things up, a family came into my tent to shelter from the rain. With nowhere else to go or nothing to do, they started walking around, looking at my art, and in the end relieved me of a small painting and some prints of my paintings – a lot that valued at most $150. For me, this was a real “wow” moment – it showed me that something that you enjoy really can be enjoyed by other people, and they can value it enough to be willing to pay for it, to pay for something that you yourself did.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I was born in Mexico City and spent my childhood and adolescence in the municipality of Ecatepec in the State of Mexico. Later I studied International Relations with a specialty in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy.
In November 2013, I moved to Raleigh for work. It was in early 2014 when I found my passion for art during a trip to the Outer Banks. There I was able to visualize the sunset which changed my concept of nature and motivated me to explore art.
My first works were done in watercolor and soon after I decided to start painting with acrylics.

Time passed and the practice of my work allowed me to participate in several exhibitions and festivals including Mexhibit, an exhibition of Mexican artists in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate and the Raleigh City Museum. In 2017, 2018, and 2019 my work was presented as part of exhibitions featuring Hispanic/Latino artists at the Halle Cultural Arts Center in the city of Apex.

Throughout my career as an artist, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with several art institutions such as the Durham City Life and Science Museum, the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, among others.

In February 2021 I was a guest artist to present my work in Wynwood, Miami (Florida). This past July my art was presented at the Eno River Mill gallery in the city of Hillsborough, with the Building Bridges exhibition, which reflects the work of Latin American artists in the state of North Carolina. This year, in collaboration with writers, photographers, and artists, I helped lead the first exhibition of Mexican artists in the city of Hillsborough.

Overall, my work pushes geographic, color and cultural boundaries. Self-taught, I innovate with each piece to immerse viewers in a unique concept of art. Moreover, I believe in the power of art to remark on the most important aspects of human existence. That is why, with my art I go beyond the strokes to infuse each canvas with emotions, believing that art is a universal way of expressing what one feels.

“Making art is a peaceful way to change the world.”

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I always like to talk about the reason why I started to paint. The reason is that from nothing you can do a lot – meaning, for me, that while art started as a hobby I now see it as part of my life. Art helped me to rise out of depression and now is a way to share my cultures and traditions. And the best part for me is that through all of this I can see that there is no specific time to start a new dream. That’s what I say when I talk with students or people during conferences.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes. The goal that I want to achieve for my art is to connect with all kinds of people – all ages, races, gender identities, social class, backgrounds, etc. – and expand the way the art is being seen. I also want to give the message that proactively caring for our mental health is vital. For that reason, painting or any kind of activity that keeps one stable and mentally okay is important. It’s important to dedicate time to just be and create, time outside of work or studies, in order to create and keep that equilibrium.

Contact Info:

• Website: luismackinney.com
• Instagram: @l.mackinney
• Facebook: Luis MacKinney Art