ilaamen Pelshaw shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
ilaamen, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I really enjoy my morning walks with my dog. I live close to a forest, and being able to see wild animals and nature get me inspired.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Guatemalan-American visual artist inspired by storytelling and nostalgia. My work is characterized by the use of contrast, color, and geometric patterns, and often explores the dialogue between reality and imagination. My visual vocabulary is influenced by my Guatemalan roots, the textiles and patterns of Latin America, and my background as an illustrator. I’m interested in highlighting the beauty found in the mundane. I work with acrylics, latex, and other media to create pieces that aim to inspire beauty, curiosity, and inclusion.
I have participated in more than 50+ group shows in Omaha, Lincoln, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Monica, Portland, Miami & Melbourne FL, + 3 local solo shows. And have collectors in Europe, Asia, Africa, & Central America.
– Selected as Omaha Summer Arts Festival Featured Illustrator. Twice in a row. (202o-2021)
– One of the winners of the 7th edition of Latin American Illustration by AI/AP
-Selected artist for the United States Department of State’s Art in Embassies program, with the piece “United We Live” being displayed at the US Ambassador’s residence in Kampala, Uganda. (2021-2023)
-Feature as ‘One of 7 illustrators to Watch’ (2020), and ‘American Artists to Follow’ (2025) by SINGULART, PARIS.
– I’m the Creative Director of Clover24, a co-working space for artist, creatives and entrepreneurs in Omaha, NE.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I come from a family of business administrators and left-brained people. I learned so much from their structure and discipline, as a creative person that structure was a struggle for me when I was a child, but now I can see the huge impact it had on my work ethics.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering have taught me to appreciate and enjoy the little bright moments of everyday life. To not wait and live for a huge moment but enjoy everyday, the normal things, like spending time with the people you love, the morning coffee, a walk on a cloudy day.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
God, people and art.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I think when you are an artist, you don’t see the results immediately, pouring your life out for your art and putting long hours of work don’t warrantee success, but consistency goes a long way, and usually an artist is recognized and memorable only after decades have past, but it is worth it. I am happy to do every day what I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ilaamen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilaamen/
- Twitter: @ilaamen
- Facebook: @ilaamenStudio
Image Credits
Thank you for this!!!
Yes, my portrait photo was taken by Ariel Panowicz
https://www.instagram.com/arielpanowicz/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
