Meet Monica Arias | Artist

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

Hi Monica, what are you inspired by?
My work is forever inspired by the sun, the moon and everything wild. I try to emulate Mother Nature’s magic in every piece I craft, she is my favorite muse.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being able to chase my muses full time was always the dream, but it took a while for me to believe it was possible. Even after I dared to think I could, it took more convincing to actually try. At some point I decided to stop hoarding my work and started doing my first pop-ups. The support and success was so surprising, growth was slow but steady. Eventually I decided to start Stellar Trading Co. Now I’m seven years down the road and while I still love making jewelry and doing henna, I’m dedicating more and more time to painting. The road is rocky at times and sometimes the path is unclear, but I love what I do. I create unique pieces of art inspired by nature for my fellow wild things.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestie came into town for a week, I know exactly how we would spend it.

We would start the week off with a brewery tour for sure. Houston has so many so it might be a two day event. Definitely gonna show her some of my favorites (Karbach, Equal Parts, Spindletap) and explore as many of the ones I haven’t been to yet.

Wednesdays are for thrifting. If you know, you know.

Thursday we would spend the day at the Menil Collection, free admission during the week!
Probably catch lunch at one of the MANY amazing food trucks around town.
In the evening we have to stop by Avant Garden for the variety show and enjoy some stand-up, burlesque and a fire poi show all by amazing local talents.

Friday we could stop by Cidercade and play some games. We both love live music so we would have to find somewhere to listen to some tunes, maybe Axelrad.

We both are also love nature and water so we maybe head to Deussen Park, check out the lake.
Since we are on that side of town gonna stop by Xtreme Off-road Park and find chill in the cabanas by the river and if we’re feeling froggy rent a side by side and go on a guided tour.

We would absolutely end the week at Sunny Flea Market for some elote, maybe a michelada and some shopping.

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?
Although I was born in Houston and currently live here now, I called Beaumont home for over 20 years. While both cities had a hand in shaping who I am today, the 409 played a large part in my decision to pursue art full time. The creative community there is so welcoming and supportive to newcomers, it gave me the confidence to show and eventually sell my work. Organizations like The Art Studio Inc. provided countless opportunities to grow and connect with each other. They truly deserve a special shoutout for being a safe haven for artist of all kinds, especially a timid tinkerer like me.

Website: https://Stellardaze.square.site

Instagram: @stellartradingco

Facebook: @stellartradingco