Today we’d like to introduce you to Armando Pedroso.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My artistic career had unconventional beginnings, after September 11, 2001 I was laid off from my corporate sales job of 18 years. It was at that time I “thought” I heard a voice within myself literally that told me to paint. Strange as the voice was, I had never painted before, I listened and gave over all my future corporate energies to make a bold move and pursue my new dream of being a self-taught artist.
I now say “if you don’t believe in the voice of God /Jesus or being connected to your inner spirit…we need to talk.” I have seen firsthand countless doors of opportunity fly wide open for me, what laid beyond those doors was this new person, this artist inside I never ever knew existed… all because I took the chance of listening to that small persistent voice inside myself.
Please tell us about your art.
I love to take unconventional, found and discarded objects and make them relevant and have a purpose, meaning and have their beauty again. Like people we all have different stages of decay and beauty in our lives, I’d like to think my art captures those stages.
I deconstruct and reconstructs layers of roofing tar, plaster, found & interesting things, metals, symbol’s, rich acrylic colors to create inspirational and emotionally driven paintings and sculptures.
Sometimes playful, gritty or with an urban feel, my paintings try to capture the essence of what an individual’s dream might look like if they were inspired to take that leap of faith in their own life.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
As a self-taught artist this was a concern for me, but there wasn’t much I didn’t try to do nor still try to do to keep the revenues flowing.
Income opportunities are endless, here are a few:
- On Line Apps: Saatchi, Artful Home, Etsy
- Start Your Own Web site with a Store
- Art Festivals: Zapplication is the best source nation-wide
- Galleries: Research what Galleries body of artist work would be a fit (if a gallery is all traditional and you are contemporary it’s not a fit.
- Have a Home or your own art studio show to friends and family, don’t give your art away.
- Charity events, donate your art to silent auctions to build clients.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
The Leigh Gallery, Chicago
Madison Art Festival – Madison, Wisconsin July 14-15
Ann Arbor Art Festival – Ann Arbor, Michigan July 19-22
Geneva Art Festival – Geneva, Illinois July 28-29
Port Clinton Arts Festival – Highland Park, Il. August 25-26
St. Louis Arts Festival – St. Louis, MO. Sept 7-9
Ravenswood Arts Festival – Chicago, Il. Sept 15-16
One of A Kind Art Show – Chicago, Il. December 6-10
Armando Pedroso Contemporary Art Studio – Chicago, By Appt.
Contact Info:
- Address: Armando Pedroso Contemporary Art, Inc.
4043 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Suite 221
Chicago, Il. 60613 - Website: www.armandopedroso.com
- Phone: 773.551.1285
- Email: armandopedroso2@gmail.com
- Instagram: @armandopedrosoart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armando.pedroso.35
- Twitter: @armandopedroso
Image Credit:
Armando Pedroso Artist
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