Today we’d like to introduce you to Lex Diaz.
Hi Lex, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started acrylic pour painting, also known as fluid art, in March 2019. One night while scrolling on Instagram, I found Callen Schaub, a colorful abstract artist, and from there discovered fluid art for the first time. I was hooked. I watched a ton of tutorials, read a bunch of how-to articles, and went out the next day to buy supplies.
No matter what has happened in my life – between job changes and the loss of multiple family members – my art has always been there for me. I feel a sense of serenity once I’ve finished a painting.
Everything changed for me when I started participating in art shows. I’m a huge people person and there’s something absolutely magical about watching people’s reactions to my art. Plus, I love collaborating with other artists and swapping tips. My first art show was the Chocolate and Art Show ATLANTA 2021 and it was amazing! Flash forward to today and I have several art and pop-up shows under my belt and am continuing to display my art publicly on a regular basis.
Social media has played a huge role in my art journey. I built my Instagram following organically with images of my art before reels took over. Over three years, I built my account to 4,000 followers. Then I went viral in May 2022 and gained 7,000 followers in one week and have been steadily growing since! Reaching the 15k follower mark opened a lot of doors for me and I have big projects coming.
I had no idea I wanted to be an artist. I dabbled in art when I was younger but went to film school – hoping to work my way up into writing and directing. (That’s on the creative bucket list!) Now I’m booking shows months in advance and working on creating a fluid art course. I even sold a few pieces to be used on tv show that premieres later this month! Above all, and as cliché as it sounds, I want to inspire people to follow their dreams.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Consistency has been one of my biggest struggles. I’m at a good place now as far as painting on a regular basis and making sure to upload daily to social media, but that hasn’t always been the case.
Another issue I’ve faced is the balance of time and money. How do I provide a stable income for myself while also having time to create and network? It’s a balance I’m still figuring out. Over the years, I’ve held positions in management, sales, and mindset coaching, before it really hit me that I have the ability to become a full-time artist. That mindset shift was the biggest turning point and it only happened a few months ago.
The toughest hurdle I’ve overcome was shedding my many layers of self-doubt and my lack of confidence. I’ve been open about my struggle with depression and I’m so happy I’ve been able to shape my life into where it is now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I would classify myself as an acrylic pour artist or an abstract artist. I paint frequently and create content like a madwoman. I would say I’m known for my color combinations and ability to color match for my commissions. I’m most proud of my newer paintings because you can see the evolution in my work. I enjoy combining multiple fluid techniques to create artwork unlike anyone else’s. Lately, I’ve been layering color onto a meshed black and white background and I love how they’ve been coming out! I’m also toying with polymer clay jewelry and galaxy art for future endeavors.
I create based on my intuition. If I’m not working on a commissioned piece, I use whatever colors call to me. I follow my gut to guide my technique choices and trust my instinct on when to stop working on a piece. I refer to my paintings as magic-infused because I pour my energy and emotions into them. My art goes above and beyond being made with love – they’re created from my soul.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’m incredibly lucky to have such an amazing and supportive circle around me.
I’ve had some amazing coaches along the way as well. Bonnie Patterson, Tisha Price, Cathy Goldfarb, Stephanie Rose Freeman, Gigi Gold, and Amy Lorbati have all helped shape me into the fierce creative I am today. I am honored to receive their wisdom on a daily basis.
Although my first official painting sale was to a stranger, a majority of my art has found homes with my friends – old and new – and for that, I’m eternally grateful. I wouldn’t be here without the unwavering support of everyone who has cheered me on these last few years.
Lastly, I have to thank my parents. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. Literally.
Contact Info:
- Website: lexdiazart.com – coming soon!
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdiazart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexDiazArt/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LexDiazArt
Image Credits
Photo of me smiling at camera – Ajna Soul Photo of me hanging paintings – Matthew Andino
