Meet Irene Valentin | Surrealist

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

Hi Irene, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
I can’t believe I’m Making this statement. Choosing to follow my dreams as an Artist has trumped every decision I’ve ever had to make. I’m 35 yo and a mom of two. Ages eight and six just to give a brief description of some of my life experience. Still, I find that going after something you think can only happen in dreams, is a path of sacrifices. Inherently sacrifices are difficult. When it’s your own vision, when you’re the one with the dream nothing leading up to it will look like it plays any part in bringing it to fruition. Ultimately, every single choice you make are the building blocks to the goal, so you’re more careful about your decisions and that makes it difficult.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I fell in love with art in high school. Shout out to Mrs. Germaine art teacher of Science High School 2004-2005. It was probably the only class I never skipped. I created this huge Bob Marley Painting on wood. It was a silhouette of his face on top of the Rastafarian colors with the words. “Get up, Stand up”. I think that was the first time I used art to express my self. I wanted to make a statement. They wouldn’t allow me to wear my Bob t-shirts to school because he was smoking “Reeffer”. I was a rebel. Still am. Even then I still didn’t realize this was my calling, so I would just draw pictures for my friends on special occasions and journal stories to express my self. Fast forward June 2017 I packed my car with whatever I could fit, my two babies and drove 1,600 miles alone to Houston, Tx. I’ll never drive alone that far again. I came to work in oil and gas as a Petrochemical Lab Tech. They have some of the best and toughest schedules. I was on a four days on four days off shit and by the second day off I finished all my errands and my children were in daycare. I started painting on my time off. I wanted to fill my apartment walls with art that was mostly mine. Here I was again over ten years later painting something for a friends birthday. It was her comment to me of “You should sell this.” that would begin my profession as an artist and arts administrator. I would from then on choose art over everything.
I don’t know what sets me apart from others. I don’t even think I believe a uniqueness is what draws people to my art. I think its the relatability. I believe my art resonates wit people in a way that they can see apart of them selves in it. I think this is true across the broad spectrum of art. People want to feel something outside of the everyday living. They want something to remind them they’re more than the cyclical parts of their lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ok This is fun for me. My bestfriend lives in Ga and I’ve thought about the day she comes to Houston so many times. So our week would go like this. Day 1-3 we’d spend it in the pool. Reading a book, dancing to music cooking healthy pool side meals and watching comedies. We’re actually home bodies and it doesn’t take much to have a good time when we have each other.
Day 4 I’m taking her to the Restaurant Sixty Vines. I love their food and the wine on tap. Then well go to the thrift stores on Westheimer for some shopping.
Day 5 It an all arts day. We’re going to all the arts Museums. MFA the CAM, the Community Collective and project Row Houses. I’m also going to take her on an adventure to do some Tagging on trains.
Day 6-7 We’re driving to and from New Orleans. She loves sea food. Its Food and art everywhere with music playing everywhere.
Day 8 I added an extra day because my favorite number is eight and we’re queer so I must show her Montrose food and bars.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Fist of all I want to thank MYSELF. Just kidding. I want to send the biggest thank you to every one who allows me the space to be as big as I want to be. Thanks to every collector. Thanks to every one who has given me the chance to make the best of opportunities. Lastly I cant forget to thank all the people who broke my heart.

Instagram: irenevalentinart

Twitter: strokes_by_irene

Facebook: Irene Valentin

Other: tiktok{ Stokesbyirene

Image Credits
Photograph of me was taken by Forest Job @4rest.job on instagram