We had the good fortune of connecting with Mario Munguia Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mario, what makes you happy? Why?
I am an artist and art educator. I’m biased, but I believe creating art is one of the most important services for humanity. Art is a universal language, a form of expression, an indispensable experience that provokes thought. Sharing, creating, and teaching the art experience is what makes me happy. In my practice I get to make genuine connections with people. Wether they react to something I made, or I’m helping someone get excited about the making process, art matters.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My primary mediums are drawing, ceramics, and painting. I take inspiration from contemporary ceramics and painting, Surrealism, Latin American Folk Art, and Pre-Columbian crafts to create alien characters using a variety of colors and patterns.

I have always been heavily influenced by pop culture, and the art of visual story telling in print, film, etc. My earliest creations were characters and sets made from paper that I would play with to continue the story. Those early creations lead me to study and practice art, and I have never stopped since.

I have been extremely fortunate to always know my life would be dedicated to art in any way possible. I create, I teach, I write, experience and advocate for art. No matter what role I step into, art will always be what I live for.

My mantra is “practice, patience, persistence.” I can apply this to meet many of the challenges I face and always learn something from the experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All my former teachers, instructors, mentors that had a tremendous role in shaping me and my practice. Gail Hogue, Nelda Zamir, Jennifer Simmons, Jan Blize, Merrie Wright, James R. Pace, Dewane Hughes, Susan Beiner, Sam Chung, Kurt Weiser.

Website: https://www.mariomunguiajr.com/

Instagram: mariomunguia.jr

Image Credits
Mario Munguia Jr

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