We’re looking forward to introducing you to Christopher Lucero. Check out our conversation below.
Christopher, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Probably that I am the only person who is working on this project. Or the fact that it’s me that does the make-up and photography. Or the fact that my art is photography. Or they think some of my stuff is hand drawn. Lots of misconceptions until people talk to me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Christopher Lucero but some people know me as my artist name LooseArrow (how you pronounce my last name).
I interview, face paint, and photograph people in the style of Dia de los muertos. More specifically, I paint your face to resemble a sugar skull with symbols to represent you and then drape you in a scarf or flag. Before I paint your face I get to know you. Typically I meet with you in person over coffee and we have an informal meeting where we talk about you. We can discuss anything you want your personal portrait to be about. Once we refine your topic and after our meeting, you then write up a short summary. With that summary I get an idea of how to best reflect you through face paint and photography.
My main goal is to get 100 different participants and compile a book of these photographs and summaries. I want the theme to be sugar skull portraits of people from all walks of life.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Trust and communication. They both go hand in hand and can break or restore a bond between people. I know first hand and have experienced both ends of this. Ive broken bonds and trust due to lack of communication. Ive also restored friendships and relationships with good communication.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When I started using my journal entries to make self portraits to include in my art project. I wrote a lot about how I messed up my previous relationship. It was its own form of therapy. I wrote poems and vented about how I felt. I wrote pain to paper and made images to reflect how I felt. I published the images and words together online on my Facebook and instagram pages.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
This art project. It’s been a work in progress for about 14 years. Its been evolving slowly with time and been a slow burning candle in my life since I was about 20 years old. I want to meet interesting people and include them. I love learning about people. If I do this until I die, I will be happy
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I really hope people dont think my art is AI slop. I hope each portrait is similar enough in style that they can recognize my art as something I made. I hope people can see the relation to Dia de los muertos through my art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://calaverasofchicago.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: LooseArrow
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CalaverasOfChicago
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
