Today we’d like to introduce you to Celeste Muñoz
Hi Celeste, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As long as I can remember, I’ve used art as a vehicle to convey parts of myself that couldn’t be expressed through traditional means. I became obsessed with this form of expression from an early age and withdrew socially, preferring to work my thoughts out through a pencil. As my skills developed, I found myself getting so immersed in the process that it became an indelible part of my identity. I developed an obsession with detail and spent nearly all of my free time trying to achieve higher standards of realism in my observational studies. As the level of detail and focus in my work increased, art became a meditative practice that I could escape into for hours at a time.
When I was first introduced to monsters, something clicked. Something about them resonated with me in a way that I still struggle to place. If I had to pin it down, I guess I’d say that I find them relatable in their alienation. One of my prized possessions at this point in my life was a guidebook for “The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass” because of the sheer volume of concept art it contained. I used it as a reference for countless sketches of the creatures from that game and I feel like there are still lingering remnants of that trademark graphic style in my work today.
After this discovery and into my adolescence, I was able to refine my skills even further. I was still deeply in love with monsters, but was finally able to augment them using biological influences. Every nature study was an opportunity to learn new features and graft them onto the creatures I’d cook up in my free time. Over time, I’d etched a rich arsenal of eyes, spines, and tendrils into my mind for later use.
The last of my core influences is the work of H.P. Lovecraft and his contemporaries. I found a kindred spirit in him despite the gulf of nearly 100 years between us and consumed his work with zeal that I never thought myself capable of. At one point in my early 20s, I was completely devoted to bringing life to his writing through my art. My technical ability was stronger than it ever had been and his imagination gave me the fuel to create dozens of new pieces. I’ve returned to more personal influences since, but his writing has left another clear mark on my work.
Somewhere along the way, I developed my own style. I’d like to dedicate the rest of my life to honing it further and reaching true mastery.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been difficult to balance passion and survival. When I began attending college, I was optimistic. I was dead set on pursuing art through my academic career and was sure that I could make a living through it after graduating. A year or so in, I realized that monetizing my art in that way directly conflicted with my artistic principles. None of the career paths available to me seemed right, and I became disenfranchised. I felt that if I stopped making art for art’s sake, I’d lose something far too precious to me. I also couldn’t afford to wait much longer due to a difficult situation at home.
My priorities shifted towards financial independence and my art took a backseat to whatever paid the bills. I was able to keep the flame alive, but I feel as though my artistic development has suffered for it.
While I was first making my way, I also encountered a surprising amount of people who took advantage of my naivety. I’ve had art stolen, sabotaged, and destroyed.
Despite this, I’m immensely grateful for the ability and the means to create at all, so I don’t dwell on any of it too much.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multimedia artist specializing in traditional ink drawing and digital art. My specialties are precision and attention to detail. I often spend between 12-48 hours on each piece in order to achieve the meticulous linework that I’m most well known for.
Lately, I’ve been exploring a more painterly style. I try to carry the same level of detail into these renderings, but the adjustments I’ve had to make in order to create this way have taught me so much. I’m finding myself less attached to the strict boxes I’d limited myself to early on – it’s been a very liberating experience.
I’d say that I’m most proud of my ability to branch out into different techniques while preserving a unique style and a high level of detail.
What matters most to you? Why?
True understanding of the self matters most to me. Without striving for it, my art would lack meaning. As my primary mode of connection with others, I want to ensure that my work accurately reflects who I am on the deepest level.
Pricing:
- Digital commissions (drawing) – 50-300
- Traditional commissions (drawing) – 150-500
- Digital commissions (painting) – 150-500
- Traditional commissions (painting) – 200-1000
- Print reproductions – 20-50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/cmunozart?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c16a3051-f29f-4d2d-bade-537f748f4c9c
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmunozart/
- Other: https://cara.app/cmunozart
Image Credits
Celeste Muñoz
