Today we’d like to introduce you to Celeste Rodriguez.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am a first generation Mexican American. My parents immigrated from Mexico while pregnant, so I was given this privilege of living in two worlds. This also meant growing up a little faster than my classmates. I had to be more aware of adult themes such as money, formal documents, and appointments with lawyers (or anything that required me translating for my parents). But also racism. From the thickness of my hair to the accent my parents struggled to overcome, I was aware of other’s reactions to it all. I am proud as hell of my origin (especially proud of the women), so I strive to protect it and showcase it through my art.
I never really thought of becoming an artist until college. In the time of deciding what I was going to do with my life, I knew I couldn’t live without creating. How could I? Art has been a therapy for all of my life, and when I left it for a year as a business major, it became obvious of how much I needed it. My passions in life are combined into this career, and I know, without a doubt, that this is what I am meant to do.
Please tell us about your art.
I am primarily an oil painter. Inspiration can come from a weird dream or my fascination with the human body, but there are two sources that I always come back to culture and women. When it is about culture, it is usually a personal story. I heavily use symbolism to depict experiences; others will probably never have first hand. And if they have, then it is a rare chance for them to relate considering the Hispanic community is predominantly in the West. It is an opportunity to show the beauty and the oppression that comes with being brown in the United States.
When I create in the name of women, I always create to celebrate them. I come from a family of badass Mexican mothers who never fail to amaze me, but the women in both countries have faced, and are overcoming, the craziness that is the patriarchy. There is so much depth to women than just her looks, and I hope we begin to value women as they should be valued.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Historically, art used to be just for the absurdly wealthy. Now, it is more accessible and widely appreciated. And it has become a catalyst for so many incredible movements. So yes, I believe it has become easier, but easier does not mean it is easy. It is hard to be self-sustaining, and it takes time to grow since it is so competitive. But we go into this knowing that the struggle is going to get REAL.
I think that people need to stop going for the “Live Laugh Love” home decor they can get at any store, and collect artwork that spiritually moves them. Go local for print shops, go to art exhibitions, PAY your artists rather than offering them “exposure”, share with your people, and simply VALUE art. Just as you value your cook who feeds you, value the artist who also feeds you. In valuing art you value the artist, and the rest comes naturally.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I share my work through Instagram (@celeste.rguez.creations) and Twitter (@CelesteRguez_), and my work is available for purchase on my website celesterodriguezcreations.com. I show a lot of progress steps and interesting discoveries through my research. I also explain my thought process and the history behind the artwork. I always appreciate those who share my channels as well as those who wish to own my artwork, as they are pieces of me and my passions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.celesterodriguezcreations.com/
- Email: celeste.rguez@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celeste.rguez.creations/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelesteRguez_
Image Credit:
Celeste Rodriguez
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