Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce Y Carrión.
Bruce, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am a 21-year-old, queer, Latinx, transgender artist residing in Oceanside, California.
I’ve been painting and drawing since I could pick up a pencil. I currently work out of my home studio selling paintings and teaching art classes.
I’m a very spiritual person- creating artwork through painting and drawing has been one of the most healing things in my life. I paint to feel connected, present, and to connect with people like me. I create primarily for other queer and trans people of color.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I do a lot of things– I like to think of myself as very multi-faceted. Primarily, I paint and write poetry- and combine them quite often. I paint my “insides” as I like to call it, you could also say I paint my soul. I find inspiration mainly in the queer people I meet and their auras.
There is so much beauty all around us. Gifts from the Universe are sprinkled in our everyday lives. Plants, all living things have different energy bodies, and if I am interested by them– I paint them.
I like to incorporate unconventional materials in my work, like dried rose petals, old clothing– things most people would throw away. I think everything has multiple lives, and if I can help that object have a new purpose– I’ve done my job.
I hope people can see every emotion I put into every piece I make. There is never only one purpose for me creating something. I want to spread unconditional love and healing to everyone. I want people to see the vulnerability, angst, and tenderness that makes my work distinct.
I don’t paint because I like it. I paint because I love it. I paint to feel, to heal, and to connect.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
Yes. Absolutely. I think art is revolutionary.
As a person of color, a queer person, a transgender person– existing in public spaces is difficult and scary a lot of the time. Especially when spaces are dominated by wealthy, cisgender, white artists. Putting my foot in the door makes an impact. I’m not saying I speak and/or represent all folks that align with my identity, but for someone like me to publicly claim myself and put my heart out into the world through sharing my art– it’s scary, But I think it’s necessary.
If something affects me, it affects my art because my art is an extension of me. A translation of who I am and of my emotions. If something negative in the world happens that I connect with, it will be told through my artwork and poetry.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I have a website. It’s www.brucarrionart.com.
I’m very active on Instagram. My account is @rosetonedream. I post daily life updates, artwork, event info, etc. Since my work is so personal, I love to share and talk about what’s going on in my life. It’s fun for me to see how personal life translates to how my work looks and feels.
You can also catch me randomly popping up at local cafes and galleries in the San Diego area.
People can support my work by buying my work! I am always accepting commissions and selling original pieces.
You can also donate to me if you appreciate all of the work and time I put into creating for the public, My Venmo is @lavenderpaint and my Cash App is $rosetonedream.
Also, if there are any galleries out there that want to help me get my name out there– I’m always ready for that! It’s very important for me to have a representation of queer brown transgender folks in the art world. We don’t see much of that.
Next event coming is called Love Notes- an open mic poetry night for black, indigenous and other queer folks of color. This event will be held at Junior High Los Angeles. More info on my website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brucecarrionart.com
- Email: brucecarrionart@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rosetonedream
- Twitter: @rosetonedream
Image Credit:
Bruce Y Carrión
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