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

Hi Sergio, were your parents strict, free-spirited, what sort of parenting style did they have? How do you think their parenting style affected you?
To this day, my parents don’t really understand what I do for a living. I was probably a very confusing child to them. Despite them not understanding what makes me tick, to this day, they are extremely supportive of everything I do. They wanted, and still want me to be, the happiest I can be. I still feel fire when I create, or take on a new project. That fire wouldn’t be there if my parents weren’t as supportive as they chose to be. I am eternally grateful to them for taking this approach with me. It is an approach to something that I will pass on to my children.

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 always say that I paint what makes me happiest at the moment. Creating art is not therapy, or a diversion for me–it is instead breathing for me. It informs and enables everything else that I do in life. I’m very proud that this pursuit led to my involvement with Central Arts. Aside from the great things Central Arts has accomplished I met like-minded artists, and formed Midcities Artists in the process. Our mission statement is: “A Midcities Artist is any artist working in the Midcities to better themselves, and the community around them.” There is no jury to join, one must simply live the part. Nothing in life is easy. Persistence has been key, even when things seem impossible. The current situation is a testament to this notion. Being limited in what Central Arts could do art-wise for the community, The Little Monster Project was born. It’s a community effort to make art kits for the children of our community free of charge. We learn lessons all through life. The key is to never stop learning, and always be a student. My brand is being true to myself. I encourage anyone else to the same. It’s what the world needs. It needs you, and your beautiful voice.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
An art show at Central Arts, is of course first on the list. Next door to Central Arts is the Artisan Theater–which prolifically produces shows. Next door to the Artisan Theater, dessert at Tutti Frutti is definitely in order, Some of my favorite eats in the area are Trinity Street Food. It’s Thai-Asian fusion. I’ve never had a dish here I didn’t love. I also recommend the Wounded Duck (If you like fried green tomatoes this place is heaven). If you want to go big, go colossal, at the Colossal Sandwich Shop. Terry and Jonathan are the big names there. It’s family run, and they are always very happy to see you. I could ramble on forever with restaurants, but I’ll end with Wood & Grain Bistro. They serve incredible breakfast food–it’s a spiritual experience every time I go. After a big day a trip to Ron’s Corner Tavern for some top-shelf whiskey is awesome. Turning Point Beer is a must visit, as well. They are this areas first and only microbrew. Just down the street, margaritas at Miguelito’s are essential. All of these places, our Hurst Euless Bedford community in general, have the most awesome staff, and the vibe is always friendly.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In our are (Hurst Euless Bedford), Thrift For Good, is a new organization that deserves a major shoutout. When the alarm was sounded on this pandemic, Taylor Watts, who heads the project, reached out to me wanting to know how his new philanthropic organization could help non-profits in the community. Thrift for Good then proceeded to do so, and from my understanding continues to do so. Check them out at: http://thrif4good.com

Website: http://eslsantosworld.com
Instagram: elsantosworld
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santosphoto/
Twitter: elsantosworld
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elsantosworld
Other: https://www.facebook.com/thelittlemonsterproject http://central-arts.org

Image Credits
Dustin Santos

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