Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Figueroa.
Hi Alexis, 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?
My story began in NY when I was about 13/14 years old, my cousin introduced me to graffiti around that age. Opening a door that I never knew I needed. It gave me a way to cope with life, and what was going on at the time within my household. It allowed me the freedom of expression with no limits.
I have always been creatively inclining, between always knowing how to draw since a child and my grandfather being a musician, I grew up around him always playing music and being creative. I think that influenced me to find what called to me in the way playing music felt for my grandfather. And what biking felt like to my father.
Graffiti became heavy in my life. That form of self-expression forever changed my perspective on art. After getting in trouble with the law and life taking me on a loop, I stopped doing graffiti for about 4 years. It wasn’t until about 2015 when I started to get the urge to get back into painting but not in a way of vandalizing. It was in a way to experience that release of raw emotion, expressing how I felt unapologetically.
What sparked the thought was the sunset on a long drive back from court in VA. The clouds and colors sparked the urge to paint clouds. Once I got back to NC, I had a paint session with my homegirl, Alana, ever since that day, I never stopped I quit my last job in 2016 and decided to go all or nothing with my passion. Everything is trial and error. Taking chances and moving forward with pure intention have allowed me to grow into the full-time artist I am today.
2017 was a big year for me, a year of growth. It was the first time I bet on myself and took a chance on really making this happen. To quickly sum it up, I did 3 workshops with a previous artist group I was with. We worked with people in the community to speak on the meaning of sanctuary. Through that, I got paid $330, the most money I’ve seen in a year of starting this path.
At the time I got paid, an art show I got accepted into, the due date to pay for my spot was in 3 days. It cost $300 to secure. It was an emotional point because I knew I could use the money for the things I held off and help my mom some or I can take this money and go for my dreams. I spend my full check on securing the spot for NY. It was the best decision I made.
I went for 1 show and ended up showcasing all 3 days I was there, in 3 different boroughs. It opened my eyes a lot, especially if you do what’s in your heart. Understanding anything is possible if your intention is pure. Since then, my faith in this growing solidified in my spirit.
I’ve done murals, canvas art, art shows, clothing, worked with the youth in the school system, and now currently embarking on a journey with our nonprofit BTMMA (Bend The Mind Metamorphic Academies) with my business partner. So much has happened that continued to push me forward as years go by
Everything has been organic since day one. Being patient, and being open to growing and learning has helped me get to where I am in my life. Going full-time isn’t for everyone but I encourage everyone to follow their dreams. Anything is possible if you’re willing to ride through the storm with the same purity you had since you started
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Most definitely not, it’s been a hard one but a well worth road to travel. A lot of times we get the false perception through social media that doing what you love is easy and artists and entrepreneurs are living the best life. What doesn’t get appreciated or expressed enough is the process
Struggling financially. Mental health is an issue most of the time, as artists we pull and create with emotion. Anxiety, depression, self-doubt, fear, and all the other ups and downs that come with a person’s personal life. All of these things affected me for a long time. Some of these things I personal still deal with but I do want to say that through the struggles you gain a wide understanding of your self-love, self-respect, your patience with yourself, and the experience of going through the storm and still making it out is rewarding within itself
Learning how to budget financially, and building a business is not an easy thing to do. Especially, if you come from a background of no one owning anything, or have experience in the struggles that come with manifesting your dreams. One of my reasons for doing what I do is mental health. Your mind is your biggest challenge when it comes to doing anything you want to do for a living and breaking old habits
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 specialize in raw expressionism, I’m a full-time mixed media artist that focuses on self-expression. I like to keep things raw, genuine, and pure when it comes to my art. My message is to encourage that to anyone I come in contact with. As an artist, pulling from personal experience will always set you apart. Speaking your truth
Self-expression, helps you identify with your individuality. Once you become self-aware through self-expression, speaking your truth becomes your new norm. You’ll realize anything is possible I know approaching my art in that way sets me apart from others, not in an egotistical way but in a way that provides inspiration in everything I do. It’s not about my art, it’s about YOU understanding you CREATE your REALITY. Speaking my truth sets me apart
There’s a lot I can mention that I am proud of throughout the years but I’m still at the beginning of reaching my full potential. We are climbing the mountain and still pushing so I can only look forward. I do look forward to what we will accomplish this year. I hope and wish my supporters will continue to see the growth and use it as an inspiration for themselves.
I hope we can revisit this in a couple of years and reflect with an actual interview
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Hmm, I am an introvert at heart haha, I appreciate my alone time heavy. I put a lot of who I am into everything I do so it’s hard to express what isn’t already expressed haha.
My favorite movie is Ratatouille, haha. Meaning, behind that movie forever inspired me to do what I love and be who I am regardless of what the world thought of me
Depression and anxiety have been barriers I struggle with within, know you all aren’t alone
Contact Info:
- Email: afartistry13@gmail.com
- Website: www.afartistry.com
- Instagram: @alex_btm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alex.BTM.13
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC65hIsr7qMDczhp7U2GmkjQ
Image Credits
Jason Hampden
