Meet Gabriel Cadena | Biophilic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriel Cadena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I decided to pursue a career in biophilic design because the practice combined my loves for people, plants, architecture, and immersive set design. I’m able to create beautiful living works of art that bring the rain forest into our modern day concrete jungle. Bring the outdoors, in. It’s my personal experience that tending to living plants provides purpose, a reminder of the Beauty the earth provides, and the future ahead. To quote the late Audrey Hepburn, “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Biophilia is defined as the innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings. The practice of biophilic design sets my work apart from most artists in my area because my artwork is forever changing. It is different ever day, some of my installations stand the test of time and forces of nature while others wither away. I think its reflective of myself and life in general, that we can thrive and overcome any challenges so long as we have the right environment and support and the understanding that we too will one day pass. Art in all of its forms is beautiful because it tells of a persons desperation to create something uniquely their own for the world to see. i want my story to keep growing, keep providing, season after season long after I’m gone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Santa Ana, CA is unlike anywhere else. It’s not the buildings or the attractions that set it apart however. It’s the people. A city vibrant in Latinx culture and entrepreneurship. its citizens, comprising of mainly descendants of Mexico, many of which are first generation born to immigrant parents. The streets are lined with mom and pop shops like Angels Flowers, organizations like Gente Night Market, hustlers like SanaCana, Lizzard Mama, advocates like the Hot tortilla, Activists like Chicanos Unidos, Artists like Dins, Musicians like The Magos, Fred wizard, Frosty and the 5000s. All of the people uplifting one another and working in tandem towards a brighter future for our community. i appreciate and value you each and every single person who vibes with el Plantero.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to everyone who has ever supported my business, El Plantero, through purchase, donation, words of encouragement, social media shares, support, conversation, assistance, or referral. I’d like to mention a few of these beautiful individuals by name, Gabriel Cadena Sr, pops, for always supporting my hustle without question. For all the contributions of materials and for all the love. You’re the best dad. To my Boy Rick Rodriguez may he rest in Peace, for validating my work, inspiring my visions, and offering support thru mentorship throughout the astral plane. I see you when I’m in the garden and I you’re with me when I’m on the drums. my Primo Fritz at Urge Palette art supplies and pain sugar Gallery, for giving me the stage to display my early works and for believing in El Plantero since conception. Most importantly, I want to thank Mother Nature, The sun, The Rain, and the Plants for allowing me to grow with you.

Website: google.com/elplantero

Instagram: @elPlantero

Image Credits
@ledsxn