The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1216617
Have your Cuban roots influenced your artwork in a similar way to your California upbringing? Not really at all. Remember, I came to the U.S. when I was seven years old with my parents to Southern California/Oceanside, where I started to absorb everything American like a sponge: the TV, commercials, advertising, film and music. My art is a reflection of that early childhood. erefore, most of my artwork is strongly rooted in pop culture and American icons. e only homage I have done is a series called the "B.C." (Before Castro), for which I created art, such as Old Havana, that conveys a time before Castro took over. It was a time when Cuba was still magical and innocent, full of beauty and hope. My hard work ethic may have something to do with where I came from. I don't ever take my success for granted but have worked very hard to harness and cultivate my creativity to get to where I am today. How do you embed deeper meaning into your work? I put a lot of energy and focus into each new piece I create to try and connect more with my audience. Meaning can be created through how I build the color composition, the simplicity of the piece itself, what it actually says via text/thought bubble, the background I choose. ere's so much I can do to influence how a viewer sees or reacts to the art. Color plays a major role and I will oen tweak or repaint things many times until I get them just perfect. I'm always just trying to communicate my thoughts through my medium. It's not just about the art, but what can I communicate. Why do you think your work has been so well-received by luxury audiences? e art communicates to them. It speaks to the 1 percent that lives those lavish, jet-setting lifestyles but also to those who aspire to that lifestyle and love the message. e message is fun, tongue-in-cheek, and yet, still sophisticated. Phrases like, "Darling, you know I only fly first class!" or "Darling, all I require are fabulous shoes," is one of my best-selling pieces because it resonates with a lot of women. is is also one that many of my well-known celebrity clients own, such as Sarah Jessica Parker, who became synonymous with iconic shoes. V U E N J . C O M 91