We were lucky to catch up with Mariel Bayona recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mariel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Well… It is a struggle to pursue a full time career as an artist. I am currently a tattoo artist, in my own shop that I co-own. However, life before tattooing wasn’t easy (to say the least). Now a days, the reality of being an artist is that: you have to make peace of having a “regular” job(s) in order to produce good work. Before I became a tattoo artist, I had my art studio in San Francisco which I would go every night to produce work after getting off my job as a bookkeeper. The crazy thing though, is that, aside from that – I use to co-own, co-direct, and co-curate an art gallery in the city (Bass & Reiner) as well.
In addition to that (the cherry on top): I would Uber-drive on the weekends to have some extra cash for the month. It was some crazy times to find the creative energy to produce artwork. I guess if you are any kind of creative or artist in any shape or form, you absolutely have to pay your dues in navigating your time and energy by working at a regular or multiple jobs in order to keep your creative LIFE on float.
I must say that, I would absolutely not change this experience for anything in the world. This experience taught me not to be afraid to open and run my own business, both as an administrator and creative. I understand and value what it is to start from the ground up, and I love to be able to use the magnificent medium – that is the human skin– to translate my artwork onto people’s bodies.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a “Border Child”. I was born and raised in the US/Mexico border of El Paso, TX and Cd. Juárez, México. I was born in the US but raised in Mexico. However, I grew up crossing the border back and forth back and forth so I was inevitably exposed to both cultures since an early age which made me sensitive and versatile to both.

This also brought a huge impact to my identity. Even though I was born in the US, I never fully identified as an American, nor as Mexican, even though I was raised there. I also never connected as Chicana since it is a whole culture in itself. I didn’t know how to pin-point myself of who/what I really am for a long time. This brought the exploration and questioning of how there is no such thing as a “pure blood” race in contemporary society. How migration and globalization have led to the formation of multicultural countries where race is so mixed, it makes young generations question and examine which specific lineages they belong.

It wasn’t until I went to grad school in San Francisco (graduated in 2014) where I came up with my concept of “Tescuani” (word inspired by the aztec word “Tekuani” that means: beast). The Tescuani are fantastic animal guardians that are based on mystical animal hybrids and elements of Mexican folklore and folk art. My work reflects the issue I just mentioned above—seeking identity within modern fractured culture. These native creatures, are a break between the fantastic and the real while they inhabit an uncanny setting, a space of liminality.

The analogy of animal hybridity is a representation of my own background and lineage. I have been applying this concept into large-scale drawing and sculpture.

I am also very excited to say that I apply this concept into my tattoo practice. I give my clients the opportunity to “Create their own Tescuani”. I ask them to choose 2-3 animals of meaning to them, along with elements such as botanicals, horns and/or wings.

Aside from my concept of Tescuani, all of my tattoos are all custom for my clients. My main interest if for my clients to have an intimate and safe experience. I even hand-draw stencils or sometimes freehand the tattoo so that the piece has a natural flow on my client’s body.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

My biggest references to my work are Mexican Modern artists such as, surrealist artists: Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo, because their approach to femininity through the realm of dreams, astrology and the fantastic. As well as work by Mexican Painter, Francisco Toledo he explores his nostalgic series exploration and confessions of identity.

I also love the work by contemporary artists such as Eduardo Sarabia and Dr. Lakra by breaking the stereotype of Mexican Culture internationally. Muralist Curiotli and San Francisco based painter, Koak.

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

Invest in the work of local artists, creatives, and tattooers :D

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marielbayona.com
• Instagram: bymaba
• Other: Google Business: Mono Moon *Mariel Bayona Instagram: bymaba www.marielbayona.com