Meet Lares Torcates

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lares Torcates. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lares, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I always keep a sketchbook I don’t care about with me to take away the pressure of keeping it neat and organized. This way, I know I have something to rely on when a painting idea comes to mind throughout the day. I can quickly sketch it out to get rid of the itch, knowing it’ll be there for me to look at later—especially when I don’t know what to paint and I find myself in need of some inspiration.

I can’t lie; I’ve forgotten my sketchbook at home multiple times, so I often have to rely on my phone—trust me, it works. I find it really useful to have a “painting ideas” note on my notes app to quickly describe the composition or narrative of a painting and occasionally list the colors I’m considering. Of course, most of these things change. Sometimes, you just have to let your ideas marinate. When you revisit them weeks or even months later, you see them in a different light since our brains are constantly developing new perspectives. Plus, you’ll feel more connected to that idea when you finally turn it into a visual for others to experience. At that point, the painting no longer exists just in your mind but also in the consciousness of others.

As simple as it sounds, this process is crucial to my practice. Lately, I’ve started drawing out ideas in more detail and even painting small studies to play around with color—especially when I have multiple ideas and can’t decide. But often, I just start painting without much thought, figuring things out along the way. Even if it’s more time-consuming, it’s always so rewarding and fun. I do this kind of planning while simultaneously working on different things. I’m a proud multi-tasker, and honestly, when it comes to making art, it really comes in clutch. So never hate on that neurodivergent brain that never stops moving.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My journey has been one of resilience, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve found here in this country that became my new home. As an individual who is queer, I embrace my identity fully and proudly, and I believe it plays an important role in shaping my perspective as both a person and an artist.

I’m always developing and exploring new ideas because I hate repeating myself. I want others to know that my work is for everybody. The goal is to have a stranger smile at one of my paintings and understand me. I feel satisfaction from seeing something I’ve done evoke an emotional reaction in the viewer. Ultimately, I want my paintings to speak for themselves and tell the audience things they’ve never heard of before. As to why I love painting things related to my culture. Not only that, but I’m constantly brainstorming ideas and exploring new possibilities. Painting has become such a huge part of my daily routine that I’m addicted to it at this point.

During my free time, I provide personalized commissions as long as I have creative freedom in the process. I sell my original paintings at a price I know is worth my time, and some smaller prints so my work can be accessible to everyone. I believe that what sets me apart from other artists is my stubbornness to keep painting. No matter what’s going on, I always need to paint—whether it’s for school, personal reasons, or just to clear my mind. It helps me.

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?

One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is that art and marketing are inseparable—two birds from the same pond if you want me to put it that way. But the first word that came to mind after reading this question was perseverance. It truly is the key to success, whether it is in your practice, your routine, or your responsibilities. It’s all about finding balance and knowing how to put yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable. There’s always a way forward, and as the saying goes, “El que quiere, puede” (Who wants, can). Of course, things don’t always go as planned, and when that happens, you have to roll with it instead of feeling stuck or discouraged (had to learn the hard way).

Believing in yourself is crucial—being in the right mindset, practicing manifestation, and staying true to who you are. “Your authenticity and kindness will always pay off in the long run” is something my grandma told me that I repeat often in my head since I am hyper-aware of how others perceive me at all times.

When working on your projects, don’t be afraid to push your boundaries, or even the boundaries of others when it comes to painting something “pleasant” for your audience. It is honestly all about taking risks, though I feel like I haven’t taken it far enough yet. For example, I once painted an image of myself peeing to make a point, knowing it would likely spark a scandal in the family WhatsApp group chat. But I did it anyway, because I wanted to see that idea materialized in front of me, not just in my head. I wanted the physical manifestation of a concept that had been floating in my imagination.

I love creating whatever I feel, regardless of how it might make others react, because, in the end, it’s just a painting.
Through consistent practice, you’ll discover new techniques and, more importantly, learn more about yourself. Painting has a unique way of revealing insights about you that words never could. A few brushstrokes can teach you more about an inner world you haven’t discovered yet.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes!!! I have been meaning to connect with more muralists so we can work together on a major project. Whether it is for a restaurant, public area, alleyway, etc. I’ve been dying to paint on a large surface, and what better surface than a wall, don’t you think? And it would make it even more special knowing that it’s a project based on ‘community’ that’s being shared between other creatives. I think it’s hard to get hired for muralist jobs, it’s more of a word-of-mouth job, but I am glad this article will serve as an invitation for me to connect with other incredible artists! (hopefully!)

I have also been trying to partner with paint companies or art brands to expand my social media presence through companies related to my field. I love collaborating with other small artists and companies as a way of supporting each other and exchanging exposure in different fields.

If you want to contact me, you can reach out to laresianart@gmail.com by sending me a direct message with your proposal. I am addicted to checking my email app so I will probably get back to you to the best of my ability:)

Let’s connect! 😀

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laresian.pixpa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laresian/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-c-lares-torcates-77358a2a0/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@laresian
• Other: Tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laresian?lang=en