We recently connected with Abner Cardona and have shared our conversation below.
Abner, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My purpose comes from the reflection of my history and culture. The interest of how our celebrations and folklore came to be. Being intimately connected to it helps me create a narrative in my work and vision in which I can ultimately influence or spark interest to a broader public about my Caribbean heritage.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m an illustrator with a background in traditional art. For the past few years I’ve been working in an animation studio as a background artist and environment designer artist for various shows. I was Born in Puerto Rico where I studied and specialized in Fine Art. Since then I’ve worked on children’s books, comics, album covers, business logos and products, gallery work and personal artwork.
I first started working professionally as a children’s book illustrator and designer. After a few years I started exploring other media in which I could grow as an artist. I became an art teacher specialized in figure drawing and sequential arts until I had the opportunity to submit my portfolio to an animation studio as a background artist and environment designer. In addition to running an online shop of my personal artwork and designs.
My personal art is diverse. I like to work with music themes , skate, comics and every other fan art. But mostly I based my “serious art” on iconic characters from Puerto Rican and Caribbean folklore as these are interesting in the way they carry and represent tradition and culture. Especially the character of “el Vejigante” which is the character I represent the most in my illustrations for its rich history and religious syncretism that defines my culture. There are two different representations of this same character and it makes an interesting conversation on how, depending where you’re from; the significance may vary. Being that these characters are so important, it is inevitable to include some political and socio cultural criticism in my work. Sadly because of the extreme Americanization of Puerto Rico a lot of these icons are not viewed with the same value or importance as older generations do. So as a mission I try to present said images in a different style, colors or environment in a way that I consider captivating, not only for younger generations of Puerto Ricans but also to spark an interest to a broader public.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would say First of all, ask for help weather it be for technique, inspiration or constructive criticism. This is one of the biggest essentials to grow as an artist and needless to say that other people see things that you cant, missed or need; to make your work more impactful it will amaze you how much people are willing to help and get involved with your work.
I would also say exploration and creation. when you’re in the process of creating there is no limits on exploration. It might take some time but when exploring themes, techniques, visual reference etc. narratives will come to you and you’ll find your purpose and mission within you’re personal art.
It is very rewarding to share your work and have people interact, comment, and discuss it on a personal level. It is what keeps the learning process growing during my entire career and life. As an artist I have the freedom to use my imagination to communicate whatever message I have in mind; whether it is some sort of criticism or express an insignificant feeling like falling as a child. Communication and show of feelings through art is a direct connection that you create with total strangers.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Having artist friends who are very critical of their work and also share similar interest; always helps develop skills since there’s a certain sense of being competitive and that will always help in sharpening your skills and learn things that otherwise you might never thought about giving an opportunity. Collaborating with other artist also helps, working with others can lead to even more impressive outcomes. It allow artists to combine their knowledge, talent, and experience, thus giving all people involved the opportunity to transcend the boundaries of individual creativity.
Needless to say that it will definitely help overcome challenges, broader your knowledge and strengthen your relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abnerillustrations.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abnerillustrations/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abner-j-cardona/
