Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Hernandez Jr.
Juan, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I grew up in South Dallas with very hardworking parents. My dad worked as a custodian and my mom worked a cosmetologist. Through a combination of my parent’s hard-work and scholarships, my three siblings and I were afforded the opportunity to go to private schools, with the freedom to explore my love of art.
My love of art has always been there since I was in elementary school. Being an artist is all I ever wanted to be when I grew up. I first started hustling my art at that age too, selling Dragon ball Z cartoons to the older kids. Oftentimes, I was roped into helping other students with their projects if it had a visual element. When I was in high school, I designed all the school spirit shirts and banners. In school, I often competed in visual arts with other students from other schools.
Now, I am currently an art teacher at my former elementary school and I love it. I love fostering a love of art in young minds and giving them the freedom to explore the arts in the way that I did when I was in school. When I’m not teaching, I am an active artist, creating through a variety of mediums, from graphic design to fine arts.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Currently, my favorite medium is spray-paint. Two years ago, my friends and I discovered this spot, called the Fabrication Yard, where artists can go to hone their talents. My friends and I would compete to “one-up” each other, to the point where we started to catch the attention of local Dallas businesses and restaurants. My source of inspiration is a need to create and inspire others.
I hope that people look at my art and it gives them pause. I want them to be talking about it – how it looks, what it is, how it was done, etc. As long as they’re talking about my art, I don’t care whether it’s negative or positive. I want my art to evoke emotion when someone sees it.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
I define success as continuing to grow, and to never remain stagnant. I think that determination is essential to the success of an artist because it is hard out here for a creative mind. I want to be able to create at all times, with all of my free time dedicated to growing as an artist. Determination is the difference between a good artist and a great artist. I’m not here to be good; I’m here to be great.
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?
People can find my work on Instagram @enyaw_b. People can support my work by following, liking, sharing, and/or purchasing my art.
Contact Info:
- Email: juanhernandezjr59@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/enyaw_b
Image Credit:
Image Credits go to: Rey Contreras, Taylor Hill, and myself, Juan Hernandez Jr.
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