We were lucky to catch up with Manuela Guillen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Manuela, appreciate you joining 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?

Ever since I can remember, I have had an unwavering passion for creating art. I pursued this dream by studying Fine Arts in school and gaining experience as an intern and assistant for various art organizations. I have also had the opportunity to teach art in after-school programs in the US and Mexico and create murals for community events. Recently, I worked as an art teacher in North Philly, but in the Spring of 2022, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue my passion full-time as a freelancer.

While balancing a steady job and pursuing my passion in the arts, I realized that I needed to prioritize my self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It wasn’t always easy, but the experience taught me the importance of taking care of myself. Being an artist and a teaching artist requires a lot of energy, and I poured my heart and soul into my work with the community. However, after two and a half years of working with students during a pandemic and dealing with teacher shortages, I realized it was time to focus on my own artistic pursuits. Making this decision has been incredibly empowering and has allowed me to fully embrace my passion for art.

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?

I’m Manuela Guillén, a freelance painter, muralist, and digital illustrator based in the city of Philadelphia. I’ve always had a deep passion for art since I was a child, and I feel grateful to be able to pursue it as my full-time job.

I created murals and street art installations across the US and Mexico, collaborating with awesome organizations like Mural Arts Philadelphia, 48 Blocks, ACLU, as well as with brands like Old Navy and Etsy, and local groups Juntos Philadelphia.

I love to draw inspiration from my cultural background, tropical colors, and the natural beauty of plants, and I use my art to raise awareness about important issues like art education, mental health, and the environment.

As a teaching artist, I’m always learning new skills and techniques, and I’m constantly inspired by my students to unleash their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art has the power to bring communities together and create a more compassionate world. It’s a privilege to do what I love every day and to be able to make an impact through my art. I believe that art can bring communities together and create a positive impact, and I’m excited to continue using my work to make inspires others.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Creative makers and thinkers hold immeasurable value in our society. I firmly believe that our art is a reflection of who we are and the world that surrounds us. As a visual artist, my sensitivity has allowed me to connect with myself and others on a deeper level. Whether I’m creating art or leading an art activity, I always keep the community in mind. I’ve received feedback that my art provides comfort and a sense of safety to those who view it. I strongly believe that practicing and sharing art can provide solace, even during dark times.

One way that society can better support artists is by valuing art education. As a former art teacher, I understand that not all students have access to art education due to defunding of creative programs in some schools, and the lack of funding for art teachers and resources in general. To truly support artists, we must prioritize providing all students with access to art education.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As a Latina artist, my goal is to use my creativity to make the world a more compassionate and understanding place. My art is a reflection of the intersection of my identity, art, and activism in today’s world. I am inspired by the words of Angela Davis, who said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”

Through my artwork, I aim to raise awareness about important issues that affect my community, including art education, sociopolitical, mental health, and environmental issues. I believe that art can be a powerful tool for social change and that it can help create a dialogue and foster empathy among people from all walks of life.

My work is rooted in the desire to imagine a world where compassion and understanding are at the forefront. I believe that art can inspire people to see the world from a different perspective and connect with each other on a deeper level. My ultimate hope is to create art that touches people’s hearts and minds and encourages them to join me in the pursuit of a more compassionate and empathetic world.

My art includes a range of pieces, such as the lighthearted “Yo Halgo Lo Que Me Da La Gana” for a younger audience, as well as more serious and politically charged pieces like “You Belong” and “Families Belong Together” Ultimately, my goal is to ignite a passion in the Latinx community and beyond. I want my art to empower and represent my community and provide a platform for others to express their cultural and spiritual journeys as children of immigrants.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://manuelaguillen.com/
• Instagram: LazyBeamArte
• Facebook: LazyBeamArte
• Twitter: LazyBeamArte
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/lazybeamarte

Image Credits
All Art and Photos by Manuela Guillén