Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Barrera.
Monica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in Dallas, I transitioned from a life in Catholic school to an arts magnet high school. Since the age of 15, I’ve known that making art, viewing art, and creating, are the things that bring me bliss. I became very interested in traditional printmaking methods in high school. From there I earned a bachelor of fine arts in printmaking. 6 years later I decided that my life wasn’t going as I had planned, and decided to obtain my masters in art education. The art theories and philosophies I learned reignited the passion I had burning in me to create more intensely than I had in years. For the past few years, I have created as much as I can, have made goals for myself, and love to utilize the tools and opportunities around me to share my work such as events around Dallas or on social media.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The things I’ve struggled with have been living with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While they have made some aspects of my life difficult, those aspects of myself have, and constantly inspire my art making.
My advice to women who are trying to pursue their passion is don’t give up. If you struggle with things on a daily basis, such as mental health, take care of yourself. One of the ways to take care of yourself is to do what you love. While it may seem like you are stuck, there is always a way to push forward. Look for opportunities, take risks, and have faith in yourself and the love in the universe to follow the right paths in your life.
Please tell us about Monica Moonlight Art.
My artwork is created from my existence. My life experiences as a Mexican American woman, as a millennial, the people I meet, the people in my life, death, anxiety, sickness, emotions, my spirituality, the things I read, artwork that I admire, history, dreaming, and everyday life constantly shape who I am, teach me, and evolve me. The artwork I produce is my truth and my bliss.
Most all of my artwork comes from a small series of lines that I intuitively create, what some would call a “doodle.” These drawing are not ego driven, they flow from me without fear of failure. I look to them for inspiration for larger, more detailed, and more physically demanding pieces. The shapes and forms I create are pulled from deep inside of me, a place where subconscious and ancient knowledge live freely. Once a design has been created, I use a blend of intuition, problem-solving, analyzation, and technical skill to execute a work that is process driven, and in the end exquisitely beautiful to myself. I work in mediums that present themselves to me in the most opportune times. I have worked vigorously in various forms of printmaking, drawing, clay, painting, and jewelry making which I adapt to my style. During the creation of my works, and after an artwork is complete, ideas of what my artwork represent appear to me. Some works I feel represent the physical body, my mental state, or dualities such as worlds that could be microscopic, or macroscopic depending on the perspective. These are moments that I cherish as an artist.
When a viewer gazes on my artwork, I hope they think of their own existence and the human and spiritual experiences they have, which may be small or insignificant, but no less magical, miraculous, and beautiful.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my unique visual style. I love working with organic shapes and playful color palettes in my work. I think another aspect of my work that sets me apart from others in the genuine nature of my work, and my constant strive to evolve and experiment.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
The most important piece of advice I would give a young woman starting her career is to constantly educate yourself about the field you are in. Research, find people that are on a similar career path as you and take note of how they market themselves. Know your worth, be confident and stay humble.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://monicamoonlightart.bigcartel.com
- Email: monicamoonlight10@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicamoonlightart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monicamoonlightart
Image Credit:
Monica Barrera
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