Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alfonso Juarez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Alfonso with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I’ve been doing art every day for the past 1,411 Days, I have never been a particularly diligent worker or someone who has believed in the grind. This has been the first time I have really been consistent with something before so I dont always feel qualified when it comes to talking about work ethic. I really love painting , creating and watching my work evolve so when i choose to make art everyday it comes from a love for all parts of the process. When you love someone or something you dont just do it when its convenient, you do it al the time. The moments in my day when I get to create are always some of the best and I feel grateful that I was able to find something I am so sure about.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Alfonso Juarez a Artist , Designer and Curator from Los Angeles California. Born and Raised in the San Fernando Valley Mexican American and raised by immigrants. Art was always a part of my life but I was very much told that art was a hobby not a job. It wasn’t until I lost my job because of covid that I finally had nothing to do but art. I fell for painting with acrylic, pastels, water colors, clothing and anything else I could get my hands on. There was so much joy in my art I wanted to keep doing it. It wasn’t until some offered to by my art that I realized I had something. I’ve been constantly moving forward with my art, I eventually began curating and found so much value in bringing people together through art. I hope to do many events this year and give artist opportunities to show case their work. My next focus is in clothing and I can’t wait to really dig my teeth into design and rolling out my first t shirt this year.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First is definitely curiosity I dont think I would be able to grow if it wasn’t for the obsession I have when it comes to art. discovering through trial and error keeps me coming back again and again. Trying to do things differently and seeing how my art evolves because of that perpetual pushing of the rock up the hill is something that I can feel proud of. Much like a caveman discovering fire for the first time that sense of discovery and wonder keeps me coming back. Second would be consistency , its hard for a plant to grow if you water it every now and then. Lastly is to only make what you want to make. The audience will always be secondary, make sure your making exactly what excites you. The more you put of yourself in your work the more potent it will be.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Anyone who has a clear vision in their own work I want to work with. Those that are obsessed with what they create regardless of medium I want to work with. I have not said not to anything in relation to art in a long time. I like to get my hands dirty and I am always creating so I will never be too busy to create. Slide in my DMs I am not shy
Contact Info:
- Website: https://finito-juarez.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: finitojuarez
Image Credits
Portrait taken by Tanner Hofmann
