Artist Series 012 - Muse
A Conversation with Muse
C&T: Afternoon Muse! Thanks for taking the time to let us into your world. Tell us a bit about where you’re from, where you’ve been, and how you began working in the arts?
Muse:
I was born and raised in San Diego, California; but to be specific I was born and raised in Chula Vista. I have never lived outside of here, and that has profoundly influenced my art. Growing up with strict, traditional Mexican Catholic parents, my world was tightly controlled. As the only daughter, my movements were heavily restricted, and I was not allowed to go anywhere without setting up a date and time frame. Even then, I was not allowed to go to the park, which was only a few blocks away, we lived in the suburbs! The neighborhood was safe, but still I was confined to my bedroom which was a small space and a window directly facing a wall, I seldom saw sunlight. This confinement led me to seek solace in my imagination and in the stories I would create for myself.
I turned to drawing on the walls, on top of the corny HomeGoods and TJMaxx paintings my mom supplied my room with, and wrote novels. I had to find ways to entertain myself within the home. I avoided spending time outside my room because the atmosphere at home was fraught with conflict—my father’s alcoholism, constant arguing, and a sense of not belonging. My ideas were often dismissed, reinforcing my feeling of being an outsider.
These challenges fostered resilience and a rich inner world. I delved into the complexities of human emotions in my journals from an early age, trying to understand the intense feelings that seemed foreign to those around me, including my schoolmates. I made art here and there, more so to save my sanity than anything else, and as I grew older, I lived in my own apartment with my best friend. I continued my art practice with the fashion industry to express my art. I did this through styling, being an influencer (I cringed at typing that), and creating mini sewing collections. Although I never felt like a fashion designer, all pieces I made were one offs and not really meant to be worn, it felt sculptural in nature.
The fashion community seemed to mirror what I felt growing up, there was a lack of depth many members seemed to have, and I once again felt misunderstood. This realization pushed me to explore performance art, where I could evoke powerful emotions and connect with audiences on a deeper level. I want to make you feel. Even in my visual art, I am creating something that people ponder upon. My work is a continual exploration of the human psyche, aiming to deepen our connection to ourselves and others. Each piece is imbued with symbolism, revealing its meaning to those who take the time to engage with it. I am dedicated to this journey of understanding and connecting humanity through my art.
C&T: Can you talk a bit about the particular body of work you’ve put into this show?
Muse:
The work I selected to put into this show was purposely chosen to be family friendly, and yet, still embody my personal message of self exploration. The symbolism is clear enough for any person at any age to understand, making it ideal for a public setting like a coffee shop. No better way to start the day than with a caffeinated beverage and food for thought.
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C&T: Could you give us some insight on your creative process? What inspires you?
Muse:
I am inspired by humanity and the people I interact with in real life and online. I am inspired by God. I am inspired by all that I have endured in this life.
The creation process varies vastly from piece to piece, I do whatever I need to do to get the inner vision on the outside.
C&T: What do you hope people take away from your work?
Muse:
I hope my work inspires people to go inwards, to question why they do the things they do. I hope in creating empathy and understanding for one’s self, it will extend to every person they encounter in their life.
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Don's miss the opening night of the installation, Friday 9/6 at our North Park Cafe.
Time - 5pm-8pm
Address - 2911 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104
Follow the artist: Instagram @foreverurmuse