Rising Stars: Meet Ariel Esquivel

I am a local abstract painter and an artist of many mediums. Any art form I can find, I use as a creative and expressive outlet. I incorporate these things in my paintings. In addition to painting, I do makeup, I am deeply inspired by fashion and music. My goal is to create art that helps the viewer be able to resurface any suppressed emotions; every color, every movement, every pour has a meaning, and a purpose. Anything that I create, I physically put what I am going through on canvas. Which helps me clear my soul and helps me start each day clean like a fresh canvas ready for a new beautiful creation each day.

Beyond art, in my spare time, I enjoy the little things in life like listening to beach waves crashing and watching a beautiful sunset with my family, working with nonprofit organizations and making connections in my community.  It is these small things that inspire me to create visual works of art that I hope others can view and enjoy.

As I have reflected on my journey, I have realized that we never really know how many people’s lives we touch each day by just being authentically ourselves. In every piece I create, I aim to submerge myself fully so the observer can feel / be free to be themselves.  Like a mirror, I want my art to reflect who I am back to the viewer.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We all have obstacles to overcome in life. It is all about how we face them that defines us.  I face my inner issues by becoming one with my art. Putting my emotions into something others may be able to relate to is my passion. What I learned along the way is how to better express myself.  Beginning to put your foot into the art world doesn’t seem easy but never giving up taught me how to overcome any failures, setbacks and enjoy all of my triumphs no matter how small. This has taught me how to be humble and appreciate the journey of my artistic career.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In addition to acrylic pours on canvas, I also create abstract acrylic landscapes, while incorporating impasto techniques with palette knives, as well as brazen brush painting. I often include textures using mediums such as coarse sand for palette knife work or adding olive oil into my acrylic paint pours. I create mixed media work using gloss gel medium to dip fabric scraps to create landscapes and  then sew in beads. I believe colors are deeply meaningful, as colors can affect our moods, our emotions and state of mind. I often incorporate therapeutic components into my artwork by writing positive affirmations on my canvas prior to adding any paint. My color choices are bold, vibrant, and contrasting with stimulating visual effects.

After a lifelong casual pursuit of creating different types of art, utilizing various mediums, and experimenting with multiple techniques, I became an Artist as a young child. I was mentored by my Elementary Art teacher.  I was featured in multiple class exhibitions 2002 – 2004 at the Houston museum of Fine Arts, as well as Best in Show for the 2004 Dog show in Houston.  I returned to painting 9 years ago. However, it was not until December 2022 that everything came full circle when I decided to share my passion with acrylic art pour painting. I was finally ready to leave my comfort zone, transform, and change my life path. I decided to get serious about pursuing a career in art and started applying for art calls. The first show I was accepted into was at the Irving Art Association for an Abstract exhibition. I hold a membership at the Irving Art Association and as Chair member. As part of my chair position, I am tasked to create and curate unique activities for local artists to collaborate and connect.

I was so blessed to be included in 28 shows this past year.  This is my exhibition list for the year. I look forward to many more shows in the near future. I love to meet other local artists. I find art is truly a unique medicine for my heart and soul. It truly is my therapy. It has so much power for personal growth, as well as bringing the community together.

Show list: Abstract Art exhibition Irving Art Association

Earth Day recycle reuse Irving Art Association

Abstract at Sean Anthony Salon Houston, Texas

Trees at Eliana’s Salon Houston, Texas

 Floral Dreams Irving Art Association

Street Music Aidendo Diabetes Clinic Mansfield, Texas

Melt Savor Coffee Bar and Eatery Arlington, Texas

 Lavender Haze Poured Mansfield, Texas

 My fall, My culture Flying Squirrel Coffee Co Mansfield, Texas

15th annual Hecho en Dallas at Latino Cultural Center Dallas, Texas

 It’s A Jungle Out There Texas Health Hospital Mansfield, Texas

 Myrle Knox Memorial Juried Art Show UpTown Theater Grand Prairie, Texas

Favorite things Family DREAM Center Mansfield, Texas

Taste of sisterhood September Toyota Music Factory Los Colinas , Texas

Irving Art Association Winter Preview Irving, Texas

Solo Exhibit Taste of Sisterhood October Toyota Music Factory

Dia de los Muertos small Art at Art on Main Dallas, Texas

 Irving Art Association Art & Craft Market

Latino Cultural Center 20th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival Dallas, Texas

Taste of Sisterhood November Toyota Music Factory Los Colinas, Texas

Sparkle Flying Squirrel Coffee CO. Mansfield, Texas

Baby it’s cold outside Poured Mansfield, Texas

Mixed Media Mansfield Public Library

Dirty Job Brewing Mansfield, Texas

Blessings Mansfield Hospital

Thriftopia Plush Gallery Dallas, Texas

 Irving Art Association annual Members winter exhibition

 Mainstage Theater Irving, Texas

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I am a native Texan born and raised. Growing up in Texas you have to be tough. With that being said I spend a lot of time outdoors becoming one with nature. The native word for Texas is Tejas which means friend and I often find myself reflecting on that on how I live my life. I have always enjoyed lifting others and making people smile.  I was very young when my parents decided to split up. I grew up under the influence of several strong independent women. As a young child I always found myself drawn towards art and this is when I began to express myself emotionally through each piece I create. Growing up I lived in many different places. Seeing so many different areas and cultures in my life gave me a unique perspective that I instilled into my work. Growing up I faced many difficulties but it shaped me into the person I am today.