Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivan Vazquez.
Hi Ivan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I started out as a positive, curious, and unsure kid with identity issues trying to navigate life in Chicago. Struggling with an identity crisis of not being Mexican enough for the Mexicans or American enough for the Americans. At age 10 I stumbled into the neighborhood b-boys and found my community.
It was the first time I felt wholeheartedly loved by people outside of my family. Art and hip-hop culture made me feel a part of something that was American and also celebrate being Mexican. Today I attribute any success I’ve had to give all that love and education back to the community like it was given to me when I was a kid. Whether through paintings or design work, every piece tells that story.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I guess my biggest struggle was not ever accepting who I really was. My perception of strength and what a man is supposed to act or be like really negatively affected my creative vision and held back my success. Once I accepted myself and started to love myself for who I really am things just started clicking in all aspects of life not only creatively. My best friend Luis Trueba was murdered at age 17 near a Craigan Park playground in Chicago. I locked it away for over 13 years in denial that it happened until I stumbled into an 8th-grade graduation day picture of us and him in an all-white suit with his signature smile. He looked like an angel.
At that moment I was overcome with emotions and love. I felt him in the room with me and his hand on my shoulder. Saying you got this! You can do it! It wasn’t your fault. Tell our story, tell my story, tell your story. It was a turning point in my life. My art became the way I finally could grieve and at the same time turn tragedy into triumph by painting art that can help others dealing with similar issues. Authenticity and really just believing in myself have been the biggest challenges. Once I addressed and found the root causes of what was holding me back I really took off.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a visual artist and designer born and based in Chicago. Originally I specialized in acrylic painting but today I also digitally design for brands, restaurants, packaging, marketing, and or local community orgs. I’m known for my Queen of Diamonds collection that (Sade art) symbolizes the divine feminine in hip Hop culture and of course SADE. I’m also known for my Aztec boys n the hood collection which reflects my life and struggles. The representation of Mexican Americans and or other Latinos. An artistic journey to reconnect to my indigenous spirituality and culture.
I’ve always been fascinated by Aztec, Mayan, and Incan civilizations and the stories of our warrior and artist ancestors. I’m most proud of the work reaching Latinos outside of Chicago like the twin cities which has always held a special place in my heart. The fact of the community just getting bigger and bigger. I’d like to think my characters set me apart from others. The characters symbolize modern-day descendants. The internal battle of the Mestizo people fighting colonization from within and in general. How it looks to hunting and gathering in a modern city while paying tribute to the ancestors at the same time.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think showing up and supporting artists and other creatives that you look up to is a good start. Immersing yourself in the scene. Your community eventually finds you. Investing in yourself in every sense whether it’s spending money or learning something new. What has worked best for me was truly just putting in the work to where people can’t deny and respect what you’re doing.
Chicago is a tough place where our own best friends that are in a position to help won’t give you opportunities until you earn them and or other people they respect co-sign you. These days it seems like people help each other more which is great. There are all kinds of people out there looking to help and or build together.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.ivanvazquezart.com
- Instagram: @thechicagolago
