We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Armando Chacon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Armando, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I can honestly say that my confidence developed through a specific life experience. My personal example comes from the time I had to migrate to America, where as a teenager I did not speaking or write English at all. The obstacles that this created, gave me the strength to push myself to be better every day. These difficulties mold me in a way where I had to create a separate persona as a defense mechanism. Something that I had no idea it will help me overcome shyness. As my artist persona grew and developed, I gain plenty of knowledge. Also, as time pass my social interactions improved, and my self-confidence and identity got stronger. Being an Artist, can be blessing or a curse to a certain degree. If you do not have the personality, confidence and the self-esteem to face the daily challenges. I a way you have to become immune to things that trigger you or self-sabotage you art or career, for example; thoughts that causes to doubt yourself.
Personally, I see my created persona as character on a play. Whenever I am creating in public, I try to stay in the present; the artist that entertains and creates a beautiful and unique piece of art. My best advice is to allow confidence and self-esteem to co-exist when you have something important to say or portray.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Armando is a painter and creator that migrated to America at the age of self-discovery and personal growth. Originally from Guatemala, Armando’s art career began at an early age of thirteen. As a teenager he won his first art contest, beating over 40,000 students in his native country. Armando art influence became evident immediately after settling on the sunshine state of Florida. His surreal style of painting came about after encountering Salvador Dali’s Museum while in high school. Once this discovery, he decided to paint using the surreal style but with his unique approach. While attending College he decided to enroll into art classes as well as getting a degree in Radiology.
As his career progressed in Art and Radiology, Armando lived in South Florida, where the influence of the open space and water became a constant artistic precedent. He has exhibited with various renowned artists throughout his career, from pop artists, to abstract expressionist and realistic genius. One of his passions is painting En Plein Air around town or wherever he travels. One of his latest Plein Air paintings, was awarded first prize on one of Georgia’s most sought out contest, the Georgia Color by Olmsted Plein Air Invitational. His palette is inspired by the colors that nature has to offer every single time he encounters it.
Armando usually participates in group shows around town, exhibiting his creations and enhancing Metro Atlanta collector homes with beautiful and unique artworks. If he is not painting outside with his friends, you can find him painting murals around specific locations. However, most of his work is done at his studio where the full scale of creativity is evident. Creating unique and original artwork is his main objective.
His career as a painter has been constant and productive. Influenced by the experiences and events that surround him, an honest portrayal of the world we live in or at least as he sees it.
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?
Patience
Hard work
Consistency
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Whenever, I feel overwhelm; I try to separate my-self from my artist career as much as possible. Doing something totally different to overcome anxiety and burn out, is the balance necessary for a healthy life. I chose a while ago to pursue the sport of Golf as and outlet. It has helped me be more patient, conscious of every move, and know that there is always options. This has help me overcome obstacles and clear my head as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.armandochacon.com
- Instagram: armando_chacon_59
- Facebook: Armando Chacon
- Linkedin: Armando Chacon
