Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerardo Yepiz.
Hi Gerardo, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been interested in art, mostly drawing and painting. Initially inspired by music in the mid-80s, It was all about Hard Core Punk and Skateboarding. I started working at a print shop where I learned about silk screening which made a huge impact on me.
Got involved in the DIY world, zine, tape trades, I also took some art classes here and there, I worked at many print shops and computer labs over the years. I’ve been lucky to be close to very talented people with whom I’ve teamed up for about three decades. I opened my 1st art studio in 2001, the vision was to offer printing services for the community I was part of, art, music, tattoo shops, veg restaurants, etc., I complimented my income with lecturing, design, murals and paintings, The goal was to get into as many art shows as possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had some challenges in the past, like being impulsive, overly friendly or simply trusting too much and not having contracts for art deals which has lead to loss of profit and actual art altogether. Since most of the art shows had gravitated with friends and their friends, Art would be “lost” and I have no way to claim it. Not only losing art, money but friendships too. As a result of that, I started to work with contracts and being clear with how I handled my art business. Time constraints and a lack of resources can be challenging too.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a graphic designer, painter, and printer. I work with mixed media, I am a multicultural artist and I can proudly say that I am old school, that is I learned how to work without computers, but at the same time I am now able to take advantage of any new available technology.
I’ve done murals and art installations both for fun or profit. Each project brings something new to the table. Working for the Bicycle and skateboard Industry, collaborations with print media., some corporate accounts, and even having art shows at small galleries or actual museums. I like traveling and showing my work in different countries.
I have a unique vision of life and I stay away from clichés,
What does success mean to you?
Having basics taken care of. Be able to live a life solely in the fact that I am a creative person. My work is documented in videos, magazines, books and also private collections worldwide, I’ve done work for people and causes I care about and I often get to teach and show my art at schools.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.acamonchi-art.com
- Instagram: acamonchi
- Facebook: acamonchi.art
- Linkedin: acamonchi
- Youtube: acamonchi06
Image Credits
“2 Spray Cans” mixed media on canvas 14 x 14″ Collection of Jenny Schwenk “Calexico Water Tower” Mixed media on canvas 12 x 12″ available for sale $250 shipping not included. “Dehydrate” mixed media on wood 19 x 22″ available for sale $850 “Fire Within” Part 3 mixed media on canvas 12 x 12″ available for sale $250 “Found Bike” mixed media on canvas 12 x 12″ available for sale $250 “Head Rush” Part 1 mixed media on wood panel 12 x 12″ available for sale $250 “Hot Bike” Part 1 mixed media on wood panel 12 x 12″ Collection of Guadalupe Yepiz “Hot and Sticky” mixed media on wood, 23 x 31″ available for sale $1000 “Hydrate” Part 2 mixed media on wood 19 x 22″ available for sale $850 “Powerlines” Part 1 mixed media on canvas 12 x 12″ available for sale $250
