We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Since childhood, I’ve always felt inclined to an artistic career. Creating art has been the one thing that has felt fulfilling throughout my adolescence and now into adulthood. When I think about a career, I imagine myself doing something that complements my creativity and allows me to continue to explore my artistic ideas. Being so early into my creative career, I don’t know where it’s going to lead me. Pursuing a career as an artist gives me the freedom to explore different disciplines and mediums of art. I wouldn’t want to dedicate more time to anything other than creating art. And making it into a career is the only thing that feels right. Pursuing art in any form it wants to manifest! For life!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a bridge that connects me to my culture, and my environment. When creating art, the question is not what sets me apart from others rather, what can my art do to bring others together. An exciting aspect of creating is receiving feedback from the people it speaks to. Connecting with strangers through my art is one of the most rewarding feelings.

Most of my work is influenced by my Hispanic heritage. I enjoy painting alebrijes and I am very inspired by Huichol art. I use painting as a way to express all the discombobulated thoughts that jumble up together like cords in my mind. I have always found it easier to express my emotions through colors. The more colors on a canvas the better it makes me feel. I find great gratification in small detail paint stokes. Each small paint stroke is a transition of energy from my thoughts to the canvas.

Being able to create meaningful projects that inspire others has continued to be my goal as an artist. Something that I’ve learned about creating art is; you sometimes need the help of others to conceptualize your ideas. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet amazing creators with strong drives to spread original ideas throughout the art scene. As I continue to find my voice as an artist, I’d like to use my art to celebrate my Mexican roots and bring together the community around me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Favorite spots in the city! Monday- A tour to see my favorite David Adickes sculptures around the city. That would include “Big Alex” on 115 Hyde Park Blvd in Montrose, “Virtuoso” on 615 Praire Street. Lastly, The Beatles sculptures at 8th Wonder Brewery.

Tuesday – A stroll through the wonderful mosaic sculptures at Smither Park and The Orange Show.

Wednesday – Hit up my favorite places in East Houston like Xela Roasters, Texas Art Asylum, the DYI skatepark behind Harrisburg Art Museum & Refresqueria Tampico.

Thursday – Head to the museum district to take advantage of free admission to the MFAH. Also, walk around CAMH (My favorite in the district).

Friday – Hit up my favorite bars like Notsuoh & Raven Tower. Also, Numbers–because…classic #’s!

Saturday – See whatever underground show is happening at Super Happy Fun Land on Polk St.

Sunday – Pick out some cool stuff at Cactus Music. Head for a picnic at Menil Park after a visit to the Menil Collection.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shout out David Tyson Moore, organizer of southmorehouse. southmorehouse is a local arts promotion organization dedicated to the facilitation, motivation, and inspiration of expression in all genres. The first time I stumbled upon a southmorehouse event I was left so moved at the level of creativity and intricacy of the immersive and interactive art space that they created. David (introduced to me as “Princess”) opened my world to an underground art scene that I desperately needed at the time. His events and ideas have inspired me to create art in unconventional ways. David has been an influential mentor in creating installations and organizing events. Connecting & making art with the people of southmorehouse has nurtured my ideas as a growing artist.

Website: anfreagarfia.com

Instagram: @anfgrf

Other: Check out my jewelry shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/LooseScrewsHTX

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.