Name: Star 27

Location: Mexicali, Baja California. Mexico 

 Artist / Muralist 

Where did you grow up and what was it like? I grew up in Mexicali in a very united Mexican family. I would say I had a normal life, playing soccer, trompo, yo-yo, los encantados, etc.  Just fun traditional Mexican games.

Do you remember the first time you discovered an interest for art? Yes, everything started with a painting my father had in his office. It was a gift his friend gave him, who was an artist. That painting has always caught my attention.

How do you think art influences our society? Art is all around us, it's everywhere. I think it influences people even without them knowing it. On my behalf, I try to influence people in a positive way decorating the streets with colors in the places I visit. 

What is the art scene in Mexicali like? Is there a movement and galleries happening? The art scene in Mexicali is growing really fast. We are obviously not at the same level as LA, SD, Mexico D.F. etc, but opportunities are opening and people have been very receptive of the emerging art scene.  Currently there are very few galleries and we artists have to find our own space and places to expose our work. 

We've seen some of your mural work. How long do you have to prepare before you actually start the mural painting? Projects are always different. Generally I paint a mural in a day because of the weather in Mexicali, which is where I mostly paint. The weather here is too extreme, either too hot or too cold. For big projects, I like to prepare ahead of time and have all of the material ready.  It usually takes me a day or two to complete these big projects.

How would you describe your art? My art is pure color that includes abstract shapes, eyes, faces, and continual lines. It's a very friendly art and it adapts to any space or environment. 

What has been the key element in developing your skills? School? Practice? Practice, Everything I know I learned it in my 12 years I have been painting.    

Do you like collaborating with other artists? Yes, although I am very selective. My experience has taught me to do things of better quality every time. I try to collaborate with serious artists who value their work and mine.  This enables me to obtain a result that makes us both proud to share. 

What is the most challenging aspect of being an artist in Mexicali?  There are different type of challenges.  One is the lack of support that the artists in Mexicali receive.  Another challenge is to stand out from the rest,  being proactive and consistent helps one progress. Like I mention before, the extreme weather can also make it challenging for artists. 

Where do you get your inspiration from? My family, my music, my work, beer, and from my friends. 

Do you enjoy doing murals more than canvas work? Yes because more people have access to see my murals. Generally I paint them in well seen places. 

Where do you see you and your art 5 years from now? In more cities in the United States and Spain would be rad too. 

How do you relate to Todo Tranquilo's message? It's a very relaxing phrase that goes along really well with my line work.  I think a lot of interesting things will come from this project. 

Fav quote: Unas Cheves!! 

Most memorable moment as an artist: There's many, what excites me the most is for people to recognize my work and liking it. 

What inspires you the most? My wife. 

Advice to anyone out there trying to pursue an art medium: Just go for it, practice and don't stop practicing. 

Where can people find your art? www.facebook.com/star27mexicali www.instagram.com/star_27 

Anything you would like to add? Thanks for all the support.