Jesus Trujillo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Jesus, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
September has been kind to me. Lately, my days have been filled with work, gallery receptions, and exhibition invitations. I’m constantly on the go, always juggling responsibilities and trying to carve out time for a studio day whenever I can catch a rare moment of peace. That’s pretty much how it’s been these past few years and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Howdy folks! ~ My name is Jesus Trujillo and I’m an artist based in the DFW area. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas in Arlington in 2022 and since then, I’ve been immersed in the local art scene—working as an Art Tech at UTA, a freelance gallery installer, and, of course, an active artist.
In my current body of work, I wrestle with the constant struggle and frustrations of being a ‘Mexican American.’ This exploration delves into the nuanced tones and underlying use of Spanish phrases, that may come across as bullying and/or tough love. Through my work, I share some of my experiences about how these phrases affected me emotionally and mentally while growing up, giving me a chance to voice my inner turmoil.
Using Spanish phrases in my artwork allows me to express the exhaustion of constantly having to prove my identity as a ‘Mexican American.’ These phrases carry profound cultural significance, reflecting not only my personal journey of cultural assimilation but also the ongoing process of shaping my identity. By incorporating these words, I aim to create a sense of connection with others who share similar experiences—those navigating the complexities of living between two cultures. Each phrase becomes a vehicle for self-expression, conveying the emotions and challenges of balancing heritage with contemporary life.
Choosing plywood as my primary medium is an intentional act of self-insertion. The material is resilient yet susceptible, it reflects the strength required to navigate the intricate dance between cultural worlds. As I bend and curve these plywood pieces, the physical manifestation of stress and tension becomes visible, providing a tangible representation of the emotional and mental strain associated with being a ‘Mexican American.’
Through this body of work, I invite viewers to engage with the raw and unfiltered narratives of my personal journey. It is my hope that a dialogue can emerge — one that encourages empathy, understanding, and a shared recognition of the universal struggles embedded within the quest for identity.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Most of my work ethic was instilled in me by my parents. I spent much of my youth working under the hot summer sun, cutting yards with them around the Arlington area. During those long days, I learned how to stay organized and maintain a clean work site. I learned how to take proper care of the equipment so it would last longer. I even learned how to research and identify which mower parts needed replacing when something broke.
I also learned patience—especially when dealing with customers and their sometimes-silly requests.
As a kid, I didn’t fully appreciate these life lessons. But now, as an adult, I can say with confidence that these skills have helped me tremendously as I transitioned from a yard worker to a now, a full-fledged artist.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Growing up, I often felt like I was never “Mexican enough” within my own culture. One of the main reasons for this was that my Spanish wasn’t very strong. People I knew would make fun of the way I spoke, and it left me feeling insecure. Out of frustration—and maybe a little pettiness—I stopped speaking Spanish for several years. But honestly, that only made my insecurity worse.
It wasn’t until I got to college that I began to make peace with this part of myself. I realized I needed to embrace who I was, on my own terms. I started by using Spanish titles for my artworks, and over time, I began incorporating Spanish phrases as a central theme in my artwork.
As I continue to explore these phrases through my art, I’ve grown to appreciate their cultural weight—and I’ve also expanded my vocabulary along the way. These days, I find myself speaking and enjoying Spanish more often in my daily life. What once felt like a source of shame is now becoming a bridge to deeper self-understanding.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
As an artist, I’m constantly researching and examining the work of others—not just for inspiration, but to improve my own technical skills. I often borrow ideas or methods and try to reinterpret them through my own perspective. This practice is pretty common in the art world; in fact, I believe we should all ‘steal like an artist’ more often. It’s through this process of reinterpretation and experimentation that we expand our experiences and continue to create new, meaningful work.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I am most at peace when the world is still and quiet—when there’s no chatter, no noise, just me and the calm around me. Most days are filled with loud sounds and stress, whether from people at work, at home, or even the equipment I use while creating my artwork. I think I’m most content when I’m unbothered, simply enjoying the few quiet moments I have to myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imjoniibass/
Image Credits
@leallen_art for the Personal Photo used
