Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Buitrago
Hi Carlos , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story is one shared by many immigrants, yet it feels uniquely mine, shaped by moments of quiet magic and resilience. I arrived in the United States at the age of 16, leaving behind the echoes of conflict with my mother in Colombia. What was meant to be a summer visit to Los Angeles became the opening chapter of an entirely new life. Little did I know that this sprawling, sunlit city would become my home.
At first, I felt like a stranger in a vast and unfamiliar world—no friends, little English, and the weight of uncertainty. One day, my father handed me two simple gifts: a sketchbook and a pencil. He also bought me a cassette tape, The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden. That album, with its thunderous riffs, seemed to echo something unspoken in my soul. But it wasn’t just the music; it was the artwork by Derek Riggs—the fantastical, intricate illustrations on the album cover—that lit a spark in me. In that moment, staring at Eddie the Head’s wild, defiant energy, I knew I wanted to be an artist.
Art became my sanctuary, my way of making sense of a chaotic world. Step by step, I began to carve out a life as a fine artist. It wasn’t a straight path—far from it. Over the years, I wore many hats. I pretended to be a graphic designer, swung a hammer as a carpenter, drove through endless city streets, shuffled papers in office jobs, and even ventured into the frenetic world of set design in movies and commercials. But no matter what I did to make ends meet, art was always there, whispering to me like an old friend, reminding me of who I truly was.
Life wasn’t easy. There were struggles, heartbreaks, and losses—a painful divorce, friends who came and went, moments of doubt and despair. But through it all, art remained my constant. It was my anchor, my solace, and my joy. It connected me to the world and to myself, even when everything else felt uncertain.
Now, as I reflect on this journey, I see that being an artist isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am. It’s the root of my very being, the rhythm of my soul, and the lens through which I’ve experienced this extraordinary life. In all the chaos and beauty of this world, art has been my one true north, guiding me home.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road of an artist is never smooth; it is paved with conflict, sacrifice, and moments of profound struggle. There were countless mornings when I woke up with a fire in my soul, longing to create art, only to set that dream aside and head to jobs that left me empty, knowing I wasn’t where I wanted to be.
There was a time when I didn’t even have a home—just my car, which became both my shelter and my studio. I carried my sketchbook everywhere, drawing under the dim light of streetlamps, trying to keep hope alive. I battled with alcohol, a companion that briefly numbed the pain but pulled me deeper into a world of darkness. Depression wrapped itself around me, whispering that the only escape might be to leave this world entirely.
Those nights were the loneliest. There was no one to turn to, no hand to hold, no voice to remind me that it would get better. But in those hours of solitude, I turned to art. I sketched, I dreamed, and I created. With every line and every idea that flowed from my pencil, I held on to the belief that someday I would break free from the sadness and step into a life where I could be a full-time artist.
Art was my salvation. It gave me purpose when I had none and hope when I was drowning in despair. Those nights of struggle became the foundation for my journey, a testament to the resilience that eventually brought me to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a full-time fine artist, and my life revolves around creating artwork that speaks to the soul. My work is featured in art shows, galleries, museums, and art fairs, where I aim to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level. I’m best known for my bold and unconventional use of color—a hallmark of my work that often draws admiration. People frequently tell me how striking my color combinations are, but the truth is, I rely on instinct when creating a palette. The process is intuitive, almost subconscious, as if the colors themselves guide me.
What I’m most proud of is my journey. Becoming the artist I am today wasn’t easy—it demanded effort, resilience, and an unshakable dedication to my craft. There were struggles, sacrifices, and countless moments of doubt, but through it all, art remained my one true constant. It has been the compass guiding me through every twist and turn in life.
What sets me apart, I believe, is the raw emotional energy I pour into my work. My art is a reflection of my story, my struggles, and my triumphs, and it resonates with others because it is deeply personal yet universal. Every piece I create carries with it the spirit of my journey, and that, above all else, is what makes my work uniquely mine.
How do you define success?
Success, for me, is deeply personal. It’s not about comparing yourself to others but about doing what you love and reaching a point in your life where you are truly at peace with yourself. While financial stability is important, I believe that inner peace and harmony hold far greater value.
I define success as waking up each day with the knowledge that if it were your last on this beautiful planet, you would leave with a sense of fulfillment and tranquility. It’s about having a smile on your face, knowing that you lived boldly, stayed true to your passions, and navigated your journey with courage and a positive attitude. Success is wisdom earned through the trials of life and the joy of embracing your purpose wholeheartedly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carlosbuitragoart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosbuitragoart/
Image Credits
“Beyond Borders” 🌎
Acrylics on canvas
40” x 30”
“Blind in Conversation at the Garden”
40”x30”
Mixed Media on Canvas
“Fractured Vibrance”
28”x22
Acrylics on canvas.
“Desert Road at Dusk”
24”x24”
Acrylics on canvas.
In that order.
