Meet Helena Garza | Visual artist

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

Hi Helena, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I think that since I was little, I always wanted to be an artist. I was always very clear that I wanted to dedicate myself to that. When I was 16, I started studying classical music at the State Music School where I grew up.
After that, I joined the School of Visual Arts, where I specialized in painting and analog photography. Since then, I have dedicated myself to building my artistic career and have worked in other creative fields that, without planning it, have contributed along the way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What excites me most about the art I create is that I don’t like to place limits on myself. I love exploring different mediums, techniques, and disciplines — from performance and painting to sound art and even biotechnology. I believe that all these elements add depth and layers to my work, making my narrative richer, more compelling, and, above all, truly unique in its own way.
It hasn’t been an easy journey; choosing to be an artist and making a living from it demands a lot of faith in yourself and an unwavering commitment to your vision.

Something important to understand about an artistic career is that it’s not a straight line. There was a point in my life when I had to put my art on hold in order to support myself, pay my bills, and live independently, because at that time I couldn’t make a living from my art alone. That led me to work in offices, collaborate in design studios, and learn to use software for illustration, design, animation, and many other creative tools. For a while, I felt guilty for having stepped away from my artistic path, thinking I wasn’t contributing anything to my career and that those years were somehow wasted. But now, looking back, I realize that all those experiences gave me the tools and perspective that now enrich my work, allow me to create more solidly, and, above all, prepared me to…

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Mexico City is a fascinating place, with an incredible cultural and gastronomic offer. One of the first things I would do if a friend came to visit is take them to museums, galleries and restaurants, especially those that explore traditional Mexican food with a creative twist. One place I particularly enjoy is the MUAC Museum, which has a beautiful sculpture garden where you can see the entire city, even the volcanoes. I would also love to take them to the Tianguis de la Lagunilla, an eclectic market selling everything from antiques, curated clothing, vintage items, and street art, to artist-intervened clothing and all kinds of food.

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?
If I had to mention a credit to someone or a group that has helped in my story, it would definitely be my family, who always gave me the opportunity to explore my creativity. And also to the friends I’ve met along the way, friends of all ages, who helped me and believed in me.
I feel that I’ve had a very fortunate path because throughout my life, I’ve met people who have seen something valuable in me and have invited me to collaborate, to exhibit in other countries, to take on new projects, and they’ve taught me a lot as well.

Instagram: helenagarza_

Image Credits
Artist portrait by Luis Briseño https://www.instagram.com/rolk____?igsh=eXNpNzd0dDhhMWU5

@rolk____