IAM
My name is Iris Agustina Morales known as IAM (pronounced as I AM) I am a Queer Boricua Visual Artist and Poet. I’ve been creating art since the age of 6. My late father was a multifaceted artist, he made made me fall in love with art. I have several published art pieces and poems in OYE DRUM Magazine, SIZL (Staten Island Zine League Magazine), A Nature Anthology Book called “Love Letters to Gaia”, and was the makeup artist and featured in a music video “Harder Than a Hurricane” by Salsa Funk Group called Abrazos Army.
Artist: IAM
Based in USA
Instagram: @lilwicked01_1014
Instagram: @iam_artista (where I sell my art work)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/irisa.morales.79
Culturally features:
"Head and Sentiment: Dreams of an Artist", May 29-July 30 2021, Milostka Center for Exhibitions
What do you aim to say by the themes in your work?
I aim to say is that I am a manifestation. As you can see by my name IAM. I am aware that I know exactly what my blueprint is in this world, the reason I was born. I aim to say that despite the childhood traumas I’ve endured in my life, I have a story to tell.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from my life experiences. I was sexually molested at the age of 6 year old by a family member and have experienced other traumas growing up. My inspiration comes from confronting my shadows and healing. My inspiration comes from my love and desire to help heal the collective by sharing my stories. My inspiration comes from my relationships with my ancestors and spirit guides. My inspirations comes from nature. My inspirations comes from my divine self
How would you describe your creative process?
I describe my creative process spontaneous. I don’t plan what I am going to create. If my art piece has to do with my past or my shadows, my ritual would be meditation and cleansing my area and myself prior and after my work.
What is integral to your work as an artist?
To speak my truth. To be a guide to others through their healing. To take up space, to be seen and heard. To represent Queer Puerto Ricans from the Diaspora as myself. To tell my story of survival, emancipation and self love.
Do you have any experiences that have impacted your art?
My childhood trauma. The death of my father. My estranged relationship with my religious mother due to my sexual orientation. My new found relationship with my ancestors. My new found freedom to create.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Do the Work! You don’t need permission to create or create a community where you can work with other artists. Don’t allow others to determine your worth. Do the work! Don’t compare yourselves to other artists, we have been given the gifts to create our own reality. Your work is YOUR TRUTH, it doesn’t have to be in anyones’ agenda. Surround yourself with likeminded artists that you learn from. Believe in yourself.
