Today we’d like to introduce you to Roho Garcia.
Roho, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started as a Graffiti writer and break dancer as part of the Hip-Hop Movement in the 90’s. Eventually, went to American Academy of Art in Chicago to receive my BFA in Illustration. Started to produce work as a freelance illustrator then kind of fell into teaching art by accident. I ended up really enjoying it and have been instructing the fundamentals of art and design for After School Matters, and other organizations ever since, 2008. During that time I worked and lived in my Art Studio/Apartment in Pilsen, creating my works of art as well as creating Murals in the neighborhood of Pilsen. Along the way meeting and collaborating with fellow artists and creatives from the neighborhood. Became the Artist in Residence at Blue 1647 Innovation Center.
Graffiti and Portraits have been the back bone for most of my art, always having optimism and beauty of life, as my guide. And for the past year I have been incorporating DJing and Painting “at the same time” as a new dynamic way to show “the Process” of an artist to the viewer, to help the viewer understand what kinds of things goes on in an artist mind when creating a work of art.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My art career mirrors life like a roller coaster. Ups and downs are a part of it. I have come to realize that it’s a process. I have had dark days like anyone else, luckily, I choose to look on the positive side of things and focus my attention through my faith in my work. I believe in my work and trust that it’s going to work out in the end.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I focus on 2 companies.
ROHO DESIGNS, which is my Paintings, Illustrations, Murals, Logo Designs, Graphic designs, Djing events and instructing private Art Classes.
www.rohoarte.net
Expo Collective, L3c
Co-founder and Creative Director for Expo Collective, an Artist Accelerator. We give a plate form for up and coming artists who are interested in becoming part of the artist’s community, through Gallery shows, our Quetzal Art Fest, and the Exchange program. www.expocollective.com
The fact that I have a 24/7 creative mindset is what sets me apart. I am constantly working on becoming a master in my craft and when I get asked “what am I working on next? I always have a different response because of the fact that I never want to do the same thing twice. My self-awareness has never been this high. And I will plan on sharpening my skills while enjoying the company of fellow creatives.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very active. I could not live without playing soccer! I have always been a competitive soccer player and even went semi-pro for a bit. A lot of that soccer spirit came through my first paintings. Break dancing and skate boarding also kept me real busy, and I’ve got all the past sprained ankles to prove it. So going to BBoy Battles with my friends and skateboarding always filled my head with a creative atmosphere.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rohoarte.net
- Email: egarciarte@gmail.com
- Instagram: @rohoarte
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rohoarte
- Twitter: @rohoarte
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