Interviews
Lorenzo Barajas
Lorenzo Barajas is most commonly spotted loose in the freezer section of Trader Joe's or doodling in Kate Sessions park. He is a trans and Mexican-American artist based in San Diego and NYC, depending on the time of year, and feels loyal to both coasts. Currently, he is entering his senior year at Columbia University where he studies English and Art History. As co-president of CU's undergraduate arts publication, he often deals with the editorial side of the art process, but hopes to expand his practice enough to spend more time with his craft. He carries (impractical) tote bags everywhere, stuffed with chalk pastels, colored pencils, gouache paint, and a single glitter pen. Above all, he aims to keep his keep his art vibrant and expressive—rooted in joy.
Artist: Lorenzo Barajas
Based in San Diego and NYC
Instagram: @garlicpowda
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 try not to convolute my work with too many meanings. I like to think that 'good' art is accessible, visually and emotionally. My ultimate goal is for the themes in my pieces to be readily apparent without the need for a college degree to get there. Granted, that’s an artistic choice in itself, one that asks the viewer to relate back to their childhood—before art doubled as an intellectual task. If it says anything overall, it’s “don’t take yourself too seriously”.
Where does your inspiration come from?
More often these days, I start my projects with a vision board on Pinterest, especially if I want to keep it digital. However, if I feel enough of a flow, I will work traditionally and almost entirely from memory. I find that this allows for a more dynamic range of characters, and is where the bulk of my creative work happens. As for specific inspirations, I feel that my prominent style most resembles American-cartoons, and perhaps was derived from shows I would watch on Cartoon Network growing up (Adventure Time, Chowder, Flapjack, etc). Plenty of visual motifs come up in my work for unknown reasons, such as swans or wobbly houses, the inspiration for which I am unsure. I think on some level this is inspired by symbology (more apparent in my use of stars, hearts, and peace-signs) or vague myth. As a Mexican-American artist, I particularly like to work with the Pre-Columbian past as a basis for inspiration.
How would you describe your creative process?
I would say playful, but sometimes frenzied. I enjoy making art in the company of others, ideas come more naturally to me if I'm criss-crossed on the floor watching shows or chatting in a park with a sketchbook across my lap. I try not to put too much pressure on myself to plan things out or maintain a consistent aesthetic. I’ll rip out a page if it doesn’t work, and move on. Despite my efforts to maintain an easy practice however, I can quickly work myself into a state where I draw through most of the night. I can feel ‘urgently’ about my projects for no good reason, and can get to a point where I don’t notice the same song playing on a loop for hours. I loathe the idea of leaving my work 'unfinished' and can never allow myself to let a project last more than 3-4 days.
What is integral to your work as an artist?
Color is essential to my work. I attempted to make black and white pieces recently, to submit to a few publications, but it didn’t work out with my style. I have never formally studied color theory, and have had minimal artistic training in general, but seem to have developed a better eye for color over time. It’s probably the practice. I adore coloring so much that I often think about adding color to sections of the composition before I finish my linework, which leads to a horrific amount of layers in my digital art (...working on it).
Do you have any experiences that have impacted your art?
Though more of a practice than an experience, drawing daily has tremendously changed my art. Before quarantine, I would find myself producing about 4-5 pieces a year, collages and things of the sort. I doodled often all throughout my school years, but now make it a habit to create a cohesive work each day, which has been more unimaginably helpful. My style is still developing, so I plan to keep churning out the goods.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Art block is 100% understandable, but can be worked around. Try tracing something, even if just to throw it away after, or try to color it in yourself. Buy a cheap craft project to lower the stakes. Practice lines, checkerboards, anything. As a kid, I would tirelessly black out squares when bored in class, which helped me develop some motor control. If you’re willing to put more effort in, move to timed gesture drawings. Make yourself a Pinterest, Tiktok, or Instagram and try to foster some art envy to get yourself going. I also like to read art magazines to hear other artists talk about their work, such as Editorial Magazine or BOMB. Just do something!
