Today we’d like to introduce you to Beatriz Espinosa.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I initially studied film, then decided to finish in graphic design. I was still feeling like something was missing and the idea of painting and drawing had always interested me. It had been a part of my life in many different ways but I had never seriously considered it. I was introduced to the world of illustration and realized that I loved telling beautiful stories through my drawings. I decided to enroll in SCAD and go for my Master in Fine Arts in Illustration.
I’m currently trying to refine my aesthetics. I’ve always known that it was very important for me to develop a style that is also true to my culture.
Puertorrican history and culture are very rich and to me and it’s a great source of inspiration. I find that the hardest part of becoming an artist is to figure out who you are as a person in order to project it into your artwork. Puerto Rico will always be a part of that influence for me.
Please tell us about your art.
I am currently exploring painting materials. I’ve been practicing oil painting, watercolor, and gouache. What learns through that practice I try to practice it in my digital painting. Sometimes, I even mix traditional materials with digital techniques.
I am inspired by different stories, the more surreal imagery it has the better. I am also inspired by nostalgic and calm scenes that portray characters as meditative or contemplative. Puerto Rico is a great source of inspiration for me and I think it will always be a part of my inspiration as well.
I don’t have a specific message right now. I just like to paint a certain thought or feeling I have at the moment. Sometimes, it’s sarcastic and I usually do something more cartoonish. Other times, it’s deeper and that’s when I go for my oils or other traditional materials.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
In the beginning, there is always the need for exposure and networking. It may take a while to get your name out there. In the meantime is always good to have a secure job while you kickstart your art career. It’s hard to work a full-time job and come home to keep working on your artwork. I’m still in that phase and all the full-time artists have told me that is how they started out.
A lot of artists are shy or introverted, that is why social media has become such a great tool to network. Being and staying relevant online is very important for this generation of artists. Creating things to sell and to promote your artwork is the best way to get exposure nowadays. I am currently working towards that myself.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
www.beadraws.com or my Instagram page @bea_draws.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beadraws.com
- Phone: 7875252769
- Email: beatriz.espinosa.rod@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bea_draws/
- Other: www.beadraws.com
Image Credit:
Beatriz Espinosa
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
