Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Rodriguez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jonathan. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I’m a first generation Mexican-American photographer from San Marcos, California. Growing up in San Diego and constantly visiting family or spending time mostly in Tijuana has given me the privilege to create an identity of my own.
I have always been influenced by both sides of the border, and I want my art to be able to reflect that. I’ve always been into art, but I never thought I’d be able to do anything of my own. I started off taking pictures on my phone with really putting too much thought into any of it. I really admired the look of film, so I decided it was time to take it to the next level.
My good friend Alberto Figueroa handed me my first camera early 2016, it wasn’t until a few months later for Chicano Park Day that I actually took it out and gathered the confidence to start shooting. The next day I developed my film, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Has it been a smooth road?
There’s often times when I ask myself “Why am I doing this? Does anyone really care?” but then I remind myself why I started in the first place.
I do it for the passion and focus on what I want to create and not what others want to see. I’ve been fortunate enough to have people who share the same interests as I do and have allowed me to keep doing what I love. I’d like to thank anyone that’s ever supported in any way and has given me the strength to keep pushing.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
Most people probably know me from my Lowrider/Chicano photography, but I’m also into shooting punk shows, skateboarding, street photography, strange sights, a little bit of portraiture and anything else that catches my attention.
In the Fall of 2017, I started taking black and white photography classes at City College. Through my studies, I’ve been able to further develop my craft by learning how to develop and scan my own film, print my own photos in the darkroom on gelatin silver, learn a little bit more about the history and connect with more like-minded people.
Recently I’ve gotten into cyanotypes or “blueprints” which has given me the ability to print my own photos in a unique way at home. I just released my first shirt and have my third full-length photo zine on the way which I’ll have available at my upcoming exhibit alongside friends, February Second at the Weird Hues Gallery in Chula Vista.
What are you looking forward to in San Diego? Do you have any other cities in mind?
I’m looking forward to see the community come together as a whole. There’s so many great artists, musicians and overall creative people in San Diego that we can’t afford to waste any more time sticking to one certain group or clique.
I don’t have anything solidified yet, but I’m always in the talks of trying to organize or get involved in more art exhibitions in different cities. I’d love to be apart of another one in Mexico City or be able to organize a group show in Los Angeles with all my friends before the summer.
Pricing:
- T-Shirts $15
- Photo Zines $10
- 8×10 framed prints $45
Contact Info:
- Email: jonathan.rodriguez11@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossedoutt/
- Other: https://jonathanrodriguez.bigcartel.com
Image Credit:
Alberto Figueroa, Jonathan Rodriguez
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