Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Rivera.
Hi Juan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, I was surrounded by art and culture at every turn. Though my family was poor, the city’s creative pulse ran through my everyday life—rich murals, iconic architecture, and the vibrant traditions of my community. Even as a child, I was fortunate to witness masterpieces by legendary artists like Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Rufino Tamayo, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. My earliest explorations led me to the Cabañas Museum, a former hospital transformed into a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the murals of José Clemente Orozco loomed above, stirring something deep within me. I wandered the halls of the Museo Regional de Guadalajara, fascinated by its focus on the history and pre-Columbian art of Jalisco. Other days, I would lose myself in the echoing passageways of the Ex Convento del Carmen or marvel at the grand Teatro Degollado, where the city’s artistic and architectural legacy stood proudly. Guadalajara, in my eyes, was the artistic and cultural mecca of Mexico. To have grown up amidst this abundance was a privilege, even if my upbringing was otherwise ordinary. Like many children, I filled my days with soccer and other sports, playing in the streets with friends. Sundays were reserved for church with my mother and siblings, followed by long walks through the bustling mercados. It was in one of those markets, after church one afternoon, that I stumbled upon a vendor selling used art books—a discovery that would change the course of my life.
As I browsed the worn volumes, I found a book dedicated to Pablo Picasso. Despite my family’s limited means, I had just enough money from my job cleaning up after elephants at the local circus to buy it. That book became my treasure. I pored over its pages, mesmerized by the hundreds of photographs of Picasso and his art. The bold, often jarring geometry and the richness of his colors opened my eyes to a world of possibility. His work, so free from convention, revealed the emotional and intellectual depth art could possess. Picasso’s vision, how he reimagined the world through cubism, was truly breathtaking to me.
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?
As I matured and began to experiment with painting, I realized my style didn’t fit comfortably within the artistic traditions of my community. Much of the work celebrated in Guadalajara was grounded in classical Mexican themes, which, while beautiful, didn’t resonate with me as deeply as the abstract forms and expressive colors of cubism. My family supported me, especially my mother, but there were always questions about why I didn’t paint more traditional motifs. Her love was unwavering, but I often wondered if she really saw what I saw in this unconventional approach.
This tension between tradition and my personal vision led me to a crucial realization: if I was to grow as an artist, I needed to seek out new experiences beyond what I knew. Soon after, I gathered my young family and moved to Los Angeles, California. I’d heard stories of its diversity, but nothing could have prepared me for the city’s vibrant mosaic of cultures, its openness, and its artistic possibilities. Here, I felt I could finally share my passion and find others who might appreciate my art for what it was.
Yet, even in Los Angeles, I faced new challenges and familiar stereotypes. Many expected Mexican American artists like myself to paint in the Chicano tradition—cactus, sugar skulls, village scenes, and sweeping landscapes. While I respect and love this aspect of our heritage, it was never the story I wanted to tell. My canvases filled instead with the geometric abstraction and bold colors that had captivated me since childhood. This path was not without its critics, but it was honest.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While many may find it unexpected that I work as a contractor, it is in this role that I channel my artistic sense and creativity, I strive to make every project unique and memorable. My experience encompasses a range of trades, but it is carpentry that truly captivates me and has become the area where I am most recognized for in the industry.
Craftsmanship is deeply rooted in my family history. Generations of master builders, carpenters, masons, and stone workers have instilled in me the importance of quality work and pride in one’s craft. Their skill and commitment motivate me whenever I start a new project.
Although I take great pride in my profession, the greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing a customer’s happiness upon the completion of their project. These moments motivate me to continue building, seamlessly blending tradition and artistry, and paying homage to the legacy of skill and creativity that defines my family. In many ways, artistry is a thread that runs through our generations, shaping everything we do.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Through these experiences, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to be true to yourself: love what you paint, and paint what you love. I often return to Picasso’s words, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Here in Los Angeles, I’ve had the opportunity to share my art with others—something for which I am deeply grateful.
Though my journey has been full of struggle and uncertainty, I would not change a thing. Each challenge, each moment of doubt, has shaped me into the artist and person I am today. My story is not just about the art I create, but about honoring the places and people who inspired me, and carrying that gift forward for others to see.
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