Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Escobedo.
Hi Paola, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am 22, about tree years ago I started selling small pieces of acrylic and ink art, often friends or friends of friends would come by and try to buy a piece off the wall or ask about commission which took me by surprise at first. I never thought about selling my art. I started painting with acrylic more, and signed up for gigs I hadn’t thought about doing before and its been the best choice I’ve made. For a while before the music lab at the yard closed my partner and I was working out of our studio where I enjoyed learning about and trying a variety of mediums from clay to printing stickers. After attending events I paid attention to what I could do better as an artist and a business. So I learned how to make a variety of products and taught myself new skills. I was raised by immigrant parents so when I made these decisions to venture into the art and vending world I felt like I was walking on thin ice. But I finished my studies in IT, and it feels great to have been able to do a lot while being able to integrate art and school into each other. Learning what potential I had, I had the flexibility of working on a fun variety of projects over the past couple of years. I eventually came across spray paint when I was invited to a battle on Rainey against a couple of guys I was very nervous as it was my first but it ended up being a win for me and since then I haven’t stopped using that fancy spray paint. The same shop who I won the paint prize from turned out to be my next job offer months later. introduced me to the team at Mural Supply Co. and since have had the pleasure of working with several Austins well known muralists and other artists as myself. I continue my works creating with spray paint, acrylic, prints, ink and more. As well as participating in murals, galleries and live painting. Though I still have plans to push myself and to explore more. I would like my art to take keep taking me places and sharing with new people.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not smooth at all, there’s been so much to learn and lots of changes. From the person you are becoming to the things you create it’s a lot. Sometimes its overwhelming but I like it that way. I’ve struggled with mediums, skills, and connecting with people. Sometimes people will not like what I make and I’ll question myself but wait I remind myself that the art is for me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Over the last year, I’ve concentrated on working with spray paint and acrylic on canvas and wood , as well as contribute to murals. I paint and illustrate statues and faces but not limited to. I enjoy a lot of color in my work, some may describe it as bold and some pieces full of emotions complimented with colors to portray that. Though I can quickly adapt to style and aesthetic. I’m also known for my attention to detail when it comes to brushwork. I am most proud of how I’ve learned to paint with a funky palette, creating with random colors can make a piece more interesting and that’s something I like to do lots of.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Not to go too hard on myself, sometimes its okay to take a break on a project. To practice and ask questions all the time because you never stop learning. That makes a big difference and to find out how you personally like to learn so that it can be enjoyable.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/artxsire
