Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Mulgado.
Hi Jocelyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been creating for as long as I could remember. I didn’t have access to any art programs as a child, but always created out of what I had on hand like recycled materials. My earliest memories were of me making dolls out of paper, clothes for my dolls out of napkins, and toys out of napkin rolls. My mom would walk with me to the local park where I’d sometimes be able to do arts and crafts. My first art classes were in middle school, which was when I first showed my artwork in the Pomona Valley Art Association. Since then, I grew a love for exhibitions.
As a teen, I found various shows, art walks, and art competitions for myself. I eventually came across Artist in the Alley located in Pomona when I was 17. Fast forward to 2023 where Nate (owner of Artist in the Alley) introduced me to The dA Center for The Arts and Margaret (director of The dA). Since then, I have worked with The dA and have loved every part of it! I currently work as one of three dA Artbridge coordinators, specifically as the dA SELPA program coordinator. I also have had the pleasure of helping with multiple exhibitions. I’m super thankful to make an impact through art education because it took me so long to find that for myself.
I obtained my BFA in Drawing and Painting at Azusa Pacific University in 2024 and will receive my MFA in Painting at Claremont Graduate University in 2026. In my perspective, the most use I can make out of my education is to give back to my community.
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?
Life is full of bumpy roads; but that has made the best content for my artwork. My artwork has a sense of my personality that I cannot detach from it. The biggest challenge in my life has been the loss of my younger cousin recently. He was the reason I grew a love for working with children and teaching. Because of him, my love for him pours into my artwork and my work with my surrounding community. Life is precious, and I try to make the most of everything.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My artwork is in a wavelength of realism to surrealism. It ranges from colored pencil portraits, whimsical scenes in oil paint, atypical piñata installations, and more. I am known for my dreamlike visuals, humor, and bright colors. I’m proud of the authenticity in my artwork; it’s important for my work to express my culture and values in a contemporary fashion. My work also acts as an invitation to difficult conversations based on mental health awareness, domestic violence, social injustices, and more. I’m never afraid to experiment with new ideas or styles, even if they may seem outright absurd at times.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
My work sometimes is visually inspired by cartoons I’ve watched. For example, my piece “Escape is Still Possible” was inspired by “Courage the Cowardly Dog”, and my painting ‘feeding into the void” was inspired by “The Spot” from Marvel. Movies and cartoons were a quick way for me to have a quick connection to the arts as a kid, which may be why they still inspire me to this day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jocelynmulgado.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocypanda/?hl=en
