Meet Rocio G Montiel | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rocio G Montiel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rocio, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
First of all, that was the best decision I made. Art has always been my inspiration and passion so, when I decide to create a career from it my life changed.

I decided to pursue my dream cause it’s what makes me feel complete and alive. 2020 is when I started my journey as an artist, during lockdown. I took the risk and shared my art; I had always been drawing and painting for years but it was more of a “hobby” and something I enjoyed doing for myself. Always kept my artwork in the “dark” because I felt it was something so personal and intimate. Art is a form of expression, a way to express your thoughts and feelings without saying a word, so the idea of sharing my art was something I didn’t consider till I realized that this was something that I wanted to do all of my days. And beyond that, I wanted to make art that could connect with people and be inclusive. Art that can translate stories from other people and translate emotions to the audience.

That time in lockdown was the catalyst that gave me the courage and the certainty that I want to pursue a career as an artist. Since the beginning of my artistic journey, everything has developed incredibly. I became a member of the Los Angeles Art Association (LAAA), have been part of 27 art exhibitions in Arizona, California, New York, London, Greece, and Germany; was the prize winner of the New York International Art Competition in 2021 and began my practice and studies in Curatorial Affairs, having the opportunity to collaborate with Culturally Arts Collective, an arts organization focused on creating art opportunities to artists, as Chief Curator, and many other experiences. I’m proud of these accomplishments but I’m prouder of taking the decision to create a life as an artist, it made me grow as a person in ways I didn’t imagine. Getting your art out there to the world is a whole different thing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
This has been a path of great experiences and challenges but most of a learning experience, Definetly, I have more to learn and know but, I’m ready for all the challenges that may come on my way, I am looking forward to the transformations and the person that I will become constantly. Have many goals as an artist, for example, I want to reach out to more people and share my art, at some point, I want to create an initiative that provides opportunities to artists internationally, may also open my own gallery, or be a curator for museums and galleries, but mostly I want to keep evolving as a person.

It’s amazing to create art, it gives me a sense of freedom, a way of self-reflection, and a therapeutic process. I find it fascinating that you can create art from everyday situations, spaces, people, stories, dreams, and more. The beauty of transforming reality into something unique is wonderful. Creating art is fulfilling, but it is more when you share it with the world. I have experienced that art connects people, builds a sense of community, and gives happiness to all, it’s a way to communicate and express.

This is also a personal journey for me, I discover many things about myself that I improved thanks to art and I want to keep doing that. For sure it has been challenging but totally worth it. The decision of becoming an artist and what had come after that has tested me and taken me out of my comfort zone. It is not easy at first, but I learned that from each experience there is something to learn, we are in constant learning. Professionally and personally, I have made decisions that have made me feel afraid, but in some way or another, it has a positive result, or at least, that’s how I see it and I want to see it always. With each decision, I always keep in mind “I do not want to stay with the – “what if” or” I should have”.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles, it´s a buzzing and exciting city. That’s some of LA’s charm. Since this city has its own personality there are many places to take to your friends and family, it depends mostly on what mood and energy you feel. But some of my favorite activities are to be in touch with nature and experience art in all its expressions.

So, I would recommend that if you’re looking to be in nature, the place to go will be to the beach, or hiking in the mountains, Some perfect beach places are El Matador State Beach and Zuma in Malibu, and, for hiking Switzer Falls in Tujunga, CA, and Bridge to Nowhere in La Vern, CA.

If you are more into the arts, definitely you have to visit the Art District, home to an urban artists’ colony in the ’70s, the neighborhood has in recent years re-emerged as a hub for all kinds of creatives, breweries, galleries, restaurants, retail shops, salons, and more. Also, visiting The Broad and MOCA museum in Downtown and The Getty Center.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my family, friends, artists friends, art organizations, galleries, and the community that has supported my art.

It can’t be just one person or group because I couldn’t make it without all of their support and encouragement. I thank them for all the love and support for my work, for believing in me, and for being my constant inspiration.

To all the organizations, galleries, and public spaces for all the opportunities, I appreciate your love for my work. Creating art is fulfilling, but it is more when you share it with the world. I have experienced that art connects people, builds a sense of community, and gives happiness to all, it’s a way to communicate and express. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Website: https://www.rgmartist.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rgmartist/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roc%C3%ADo-garc%C3%ADa-montiel-b96b1616b/