We recently had the chance to connect with Rocio G Montiel and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rocio, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe many people are silently struggling with loneliness, depression, and feeling overwhelmed. We live in a society that constantly pushes us to be more, do more, and have more, a culture driven by productivity, comparison, and the pressure to always appear “fine.” It’s almost as if there’s no space to admit you’re not okay, because showing vulnerability can be seen as weakness or failure.
This constant race leaves little room to pause, to reflect, or to simply be. Even when we’re struggling, the world around us rarely slows down to ask how we truly feel. Instead, we’re hit from all directions, expectations, responsibilities, social pressures, without consideration for the emotional toll it takes.
What’s often missing is compassion, for ourselves and for each other. That’s why prioritizing our mental health, energy, and emotional well-being is so essential. We need to create space where it’s safe to say, “I’m not okay,” without fear or shame. Because the truth is, many people are carrying quiet battles, and the more we normalize that, the more connected and supported we’ll all feel.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Rocío G. Montiel, a contemporary Mexican artist currently living and creating in Los Angeles, California. My work moves between painting, drawing, and sculpture mediums I use to explore and express my ideas in a way that feels both instinctive and intentional.
At the core of my practice is a deep curiosity about the mind and the abstract. I’m drawn to themes that explore emotional complexity, inner worlds, and the unseen. Through my work, I invite viewers into a space of reflection on what it means to feel, to think, to be human. Each piece is a way for me to process the world around and within me, challenging norms and embracing vulnerability through form, texture, and color.
My artistic journey is constantly evolving. I enjoy experimenting with new techniques, styles, and digital tools allowing my visual language to expand as I grow. This exploration keeps my practice dynamic, and has helped me build a diverse and distinctive body of work.
I hold a Diploma in Fine Arts from Otis College of Art and Design. My work has been exhibited in both physical and online juried shows across the U.S., in Arizona, California, and New York, as well as internationally in London, Berlin, Greece, and Japan. I’ve had the honor of having a solo exhibition at the Mexican Center of Culture and Cinematics, as well as with Teravarna Art Gallery.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of the earliest and most defining moments when I truly felt powerful was when I made the decision to change my life as an artist and take the steps to stay in the U.S. It wasn’t easy there was fear, uncertainty, and a lot of unknowns, but deep down, I had a strong sense of clarity and purpose. I knew it was something I wanted, and I was willing to face the challenges and do the work it required.
There was something incredibly powerful about choosing myself and my path, even when it meant stepping into the unknown. I gave myself permission to dream bigger, to take up space, and to trust that I belonged here. It took time, planning, and courage, but I did it. And that feeling, of knowing I made it happen, still fills me with pride. It reminded me that power sometimes it’s quiet, steady, and deeply rooted in believing in yourself.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, more often than I expected.
After achieving what felt like a huge milestone, establishing myself as an artist here in the U.S., I thought things would get easier. But in many ways, that’s when the real challenges began. There have been moments that deeply tested my confidence, my resilience, and even my faith in myself. The weight of uncertainty, self-doubt, and the pressure to keep going can feel overwhelming at times.
But in those moments, I’ve learned to pause and surrender. To place things in the hands of something greater,, whether you call it God, the universe, or simply trust in the process. I keep showing up, doing my best, but I’ve also learned to let go of control and believe that whatever unfolds is ultimately for my highest good.
It’s scary to feel like you’re on the edge of giving up, but those moments have taught me strength, humility, and faith. And every time I’ve chosen to keep going, I’ve been reminded of why I started this journey in the first place.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The life project I’m most committed to is being a successful artist, not just in terms of recognition, but in building a life that’s fully aligned with my passion and purpose. For me, being an artist isn’t just a career, it’s a lifelong commitment, a way of seeing and moving through the world.
It’s not always easy. The path is filled with challenges, uncertainty, and moments of doubt. But despite it all, I know deep within me that this is the life I was meant to live. Creating is how I connect with myself and others. It’s how I process, express, and grow.
No matter how long it takes, no matter how winding the road may be, I’m committed to this journey. Because being an artist isn’t something I do, it’s who I am.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop overthinking and worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet. It’s a bit sad to admit that it would take a limited timeline to make me let go of that habit, but the truth is, realizing how little time we really have puts everything into perspective.
Time has a powerful way of waking us up. The thought of only having 10 years left makes it so clear how much energy we waste on fear, doubt, and the need to control the future. But in reality, none of us ever truly knows how much time we have, and that alone should be motivation enough to stay present, to trust the process, and to fully live each day.
So yes, I’d stop overthinking. I’d stop letting worry steal my peace. And I’d start showing up more intentionally for the present moment, because that’s where life is actually happening.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rgmartist.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rgmartist/
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Tess Burns
