Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafael Mejia
Hi Rafael , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a Mexican-American artist who grew up between the Inland Empire and San Diego/Tijuana area. Growing up I was first exposed to art through drawing with my cousins and the world of comics. But It wasn’t until college that I discovered my love for fine art, specifically oil painting. I started studying art in college, at Riverside Community College, and later went on to receive my BFA in Drawing and Painting at Laguna College of art and Design. I recently moved to Los Angeles county in order to pursue my career in painting and be closer to the arts community here. I’ve shown in a few galleries, but my main goal at the moment is to produce a more solid body of work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to where I am has felt like a long marathon. Getting to art school was a journey in itself. At the beginning of my studies, due to financial reasons, I actually stayed in community college for 8 years. I spent the time just trying to improve my skills in order to get as good as I could for art school. I managed to save up and I got a good merit scholarship that allowed me to attend Laguna College of Art and Design. But there was a lot of financial insecurity along the way. I was lucky enough to have the support of my partner Mollie Ong (who is also an artist) and my family, which I couldn’t have made it without them. I’m thankful for having them in my life.
As for creative obstacles, that’s still an ongoing process of discovery. In school, my main focus was to improve technically, which is important. But towards the end, I was pushed to try to find an individual voice and what sets me apart as an artist in the world. That’s a struggle that I’m still trying to work on. But I’ve found that looking in to ones own life can be a helpful source of inspiration.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Well I am a representational artist. I specialize in oil painting specifically with figurative and still life subject matters. Currently the body of paintings I’m working on is inspired by my nostalgia of rural Mexico. Specifically, what I was exposed to growing up during my visits to my grandfather’s home in rural Michoacán, Mexico. Both my personal upbringing and culture have influenced me to explore symbolism in my work. I’m inspired by naturalist and symbolist painters of the 19th century for their skill of realism and attention to both observation and inward introspection. They observed life as well as their internal dialogue, which imbued their work with an almost dream-like, mysterious quality. It’s something I strive for in my work, but still search to achieve.
I’m most proud of my painting “El Mensajero”, because although it’s somewhat straight-forward and simple in composition, I was able to tap into a sense of mystery I felt as a kid during the nights in rural Michoacán. And a lot of it is done through lighting.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am a history nerd. Also I collect magic the gathering cards and am actively looking for friends to play with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rafaelmejiafineart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafaelmejia_art/
Image Credits
Rafael Mejia
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