Meet George Joaquim | Artist

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

Hi George, why did you pursue a creative career?
It is an artistic career that chose me! I’ve been creating art since the age of three, and although I use my energies in many other creative ways, there has never been any doubt about me ever becoming anything other than an artist as I was grew up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Like many artists, I had to struggle with financial instability early in my career as well as the need to acquire art supplies and studio space. I also had to learn how to market my work, which was initially a challenge due to criticism, initial rejection, and subsequent self-doubt just as other creative people have encountered. I dealt with these issues by finding solace, validity, and self-worth in my work, and by simply by creating art despite the obstacles that were thrown in my way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hollywood is always a good place to go to enjoy the nightlife, whether it’s at the bars on Cahuenga, or the music venues on the Sunset Strip. The nightlife can also be fun in Venice Beach along Abbot Kinney, and on Main Street in Santa Monica. Daytime is the time to go on an excursion to Venice Beach or Malibu. It’s beautiful there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
On my first visit to Disneyland when I was 9 years old, I accidently got locked in at closing time, and as I roamed the park alone, trying to find the exit so I could rejoin my family who were frantically waiting for me outside, I ran into the only other person in Disneyland that night: which was Walt Disney himself. We met then and eventually became good friends. He was my first mentor, and he was the first person to speak to me like I was an adult about Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and their art. Ten years later, at age 19, I was in Paris where I ran into Picasso who was in town to celebrate his 90th birthday. We hit it off instantly, and he then painted me with a brush in one hand and a painting palette in the other. I was at a crucial career crossroads in my young life at that time, and I couldn’t have asked for more encouragement than having my portrait as an artist painted by Pablo Picasso himself.

Website: georgejoaquim.com

Instagram: georgejoaquim

Twitter: George Joaquim @georgejoaquim1

Facebook: George Joaquim

Youtube: George Manuel Joaquim

Image Credits
Art and selfie by George Joaquim