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

Hi Rodríguez, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The schools I attended, were not conducive to creativity. The limited half-hour art classes were held at our desks, where we dabbled in repetitious acts of simple drawing and copied designs. Strangely, my work was acknowledged by the art instructor, and the other students asked, “If I would do their projects.”
In my formative years, I became ill. The medical advice given to improve my health was to move to a place with a more conducive environment. Without hesitation, I decided to return to my birthplace Puerto Rico.
My parents moved to New York when I was a baby, so my primary language was English; and my secondary language, Spanish, I spoke poorly, and with that and the premise of some artistic ability, I decided to attend and take classes at the art school.
Exposure to the finest master artists and workshops was a revelation and the beginning of understanding myself and my abilities. When I completed my studies in Puerto Rico, I pursued my development at The Art Students League of New York.
Indirectly, providence, my early choices and experiences, were subconsciously guided and laid the path to pursue my life’s journey in the arts. One develops their gifts and talents; in this process, others label you “Artist”.

Rodríguez, 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?

Being Puerto Rican initially establishes and impacts my development. To come from this source ensures that I set my standards high to achieve my goals.
A combination of ancestral, cultural, personal, and environmental experiences shaped my artistic influences. My constant commitment and concerns regarding my heritage and diverse communities are represented in my works. They are individual and deeply rooted, encompassing many issues regarding identity, gender, race, ageism, social, political, and spiritual beliefs.
One’s experiences are the essential qualities that are shared and are the common thread, that unites us. What distinguishes me, is the visual interpretation. I am responsible for evoking passion, emotion, understanding, and the message. My work is pivotal and speaks volumes in changing the world and changing the way people feel and think not only about themselves but the problems of the world at large.

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

To maintain integrity and passion are the most important influences in my work. Staying true to my convictions, taking chances, and never compromising my principles and responsibilities. The fearlessness, to never submit to being satisfied, and to transcend the piece, so that the viewer can relate, identify, and find meaning with the subject matter. This motivation to create comes from many sources, but the desire to make a difference, influence, and have an emotional connection with just one person would be a significant contribution. The knowledge that one’s creative perspective is shared by others, and to present a visual culture in a new light.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The creative process can be achieved if one trusts their instincts and intuition. To maintain a diverse mind, that permits experimentation, one must be open, without thought, and rely on the natural course of development to guide them in achieving a range of symbolic themes, that are personal and provocative.
In this personal act, one creates a new reality and projects a universal message that has the power of understanding that unifies, inspires, and influences humanity. This form of documentation permits me to embrace my deeply rooted identity as a Puerto Rican and woman artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rodriguezcalero.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rodriguez.calero.9

Image Credits

Rodríguez Calero