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Meet Alejandro Aguilar

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandro Aguilar.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am a Mexican-American artist and entrepreneur originally from San Pedro California. I moved to Phoenix with my family when I was 7 years old and besides getting used to the heat, it was a steep adjustment for me socially having to start over. I had frequent panic attacks my first year of school but fortunately I had a talent for drawing and that gave me favorable recognition and distinction in my class but most of all it was an outlet for me and that is what art has always been able to provide – a voice and an outlet – no matter what I’m going through in life.

In 2015, I graduated from ASU with a degree in Art Studies. I had originally majored in Intermedia (conceptual art) and was accepted into the program but my satiation for exploring different mediums forced me to transfer over into art studies which gave me more flexibility. I took courses in filmmaking, painting, and even fibers where I worked with fabrics and embroidery.

In 2017, I created True Art Canvas to provide professional quality artist supplies at affordable prices.

Please tell us about your art.
Much of my work in college was conceptual and was expressed through video, performance, and other non-traditional mediums. Fine art is what I hold closest to my heart (it is my foundation) but I incorporate other disciplines depending on what my ideas are and how they develop in my mind. I seek to form and function in my work and my hope is that no matter what type of art I am doing whether it be a conceptual work or a portrait painting done in oils that people can take something visceral out of it. I enjoy writing and my writings usually serve as a catalyst for my artwork as they inspire me to explore my ideas, feelings, and experiences.

My foray into canvas making came after I graduated from College. Ever since my teens- after discovering the joys of juicing – I’ve become fascinated with learning to make things myself. For a long time, I was disappointed with the prices and the quality of art supplies when I would shop for school and wondered how I could start producing my own especially because it was something painters did in the past. I gained the knowledge I needed from an artist apprenticeship, woodworking workshops, books and the internet; I decided to turn my skills into a service that later became True Art Canvas. My goal with the company is not only to provide artists with professional quality supplies but to also to have it be used as a platform for their work through interviews and showcases.

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I believe the role of artists has remained the same buts arts relationship with the general population has changed: the two don’t seem to be as involved as they once were. You look at old cities like Rome and Venice where art permeated everything and where artists and art were more in the public eye – celebrated – and you contrast that with today where it been shifted and regulated behind museum walls.

That shift has happened for different reasons and its something I would like to explore but the main difference now is that there are more artists who make social issues (and global issues) the core of their work and that it is due to most people generally having more freedom and opportunities now.

National and international events (from the past and present) influenced much of my conceptual work in college especially when talking about heritage, beliefs, values, and history and they will definitely be an influence as I transition into my new body of work.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
If you’re an artist in need of art supplies visit our online shop at my website where we offer professionally made hand-crafted artboard and canvases in a variety of shapes and sizes. We also accept custom orders and will give you a quote.

If you’re in need of artwork go ahead and commission me at Alejandro@AguilarCompositions.com: my website is under construction so be on the lookout. In the meantime, you can find and support me on my social media pages listed below. Thank you!

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Alejandro Aguilar

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix 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.

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