Life & Work with Monica Caram of Burbank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Caram

Hi Monica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a Multimedia Artist, born and raised in Argentina’s North West in a region populated by artisans.
I have been in the arts for many years, mostly working with ceramics and paintings, and have always been interested in experimenting with every element to create unique art pieces.
I have graduated as a Ceramicist from Art School at the University of Tucuman in Argentina, and settled in Burbank, California, in 2004, where I reside with my family and am a proud member of the local art communities and currently serve as a board member for City of Burbank Art in Public Places.
After 20 years living in California, I became more aware of the environmental issues and our responsibilities towards them as consumers, then with the idea of sustainability I founded Moonstone Craft and began designing home décor from reclaimed glass, turning glass bottles into useful sustainable artifacts to contribute at least a tiny bit towards saving them from the landfill. This conceptual art is meant to encourage customers to support eco-friendly products.
All this while keeping my passion for painting and sculpting.

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?
I would not say I have had obstacles, but will mention some of the challenges I encountered in my journey. I am a queer and Latine multi-media artist, and it took me a bit of time to find my people and to find art groups that see and value my art, culture, creativity, and humanity.

I am grateful to the queer community for all the opportunities to participate in pop-ups and art walks. Art organizations such as California Creative Arts and Burbank Art Association also have recognized me as an artist, awarded my work, and helped me grow through Art Shows.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been fully dedicated to my art since 2015 when I started to work in my studio with glass and sustainability after some years working on ceramic sculptures but I am always going back to painting because it’s a faster way to express myself.
I am known as a multi-media artist and working on different disciplines allows me to participate in more art shows and pop-ups, bringing my art to a wider audience.
I am also known in the queer community as a parental figure welcoming with love and support many individuals whom need a positive word, and a chosen family to love, respect and help them be confident and kind to themselves.
As an artist I believe we need to use our voices and space to bring light to humanity with love and kindness, and that is what I advocating for.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My recent favorite book is “Toxic Parents” by Dr Susan Forward with Craig Buck
I enjoy reading non fiction and I am always inclined to psychology or philosophy

Contact Info:

• Website: https://moonstonecraft.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonstonecraft/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Moonstone.Craft.MC
• Twitter: N/a

Image Credits
Portrait photo by Dina Belenko