Jorge Flores-Pere shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Jorge, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something that’s been bringing me a lot of joy lately is playing tennis. I’ve been getting back into it regularly, and it’s become this great balance of movement, focus, and release. There’s something about the highs and lows of the game that I really love, the rhythm of long rallies, the satisfaction of a good shot, but also the frustration and defeat that come with it. Those moments of loss have taught me a lot about patience and resilience, which have started to show up in my paintings too. I’ve been thinking more about rhythm, motion, and repetition, but also about imperfection and control. My brushstrokes feel more instinctive and alive, almost like I’m chasing that same energy and emotion I feel on the court.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Toto, a Guatemalan and Cuban artist from Los Angeles, now living in Houston. My work centers around identity, culture, and politics, and how those things shape the way we see ourselves and the world. I use painting as a way to tell stories, often mixing symbolism and color to explore memory, heritage, and the emotions tied to them. A lot of my inspiration comes from my background and the constant push and pull between different places and histories. I’m interested in how art can challenge ideas while still holding space for beauty and honesty.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think the part of me that always feels the need to prove myself has served its purpose. It pushed me to work hard and stay focused, but it also kept me from fully trusting my own voice at times. I’m learning to let that go and create from a place of confidence rather than validation. Releasing that part means making space for growth, honesty, and a deeper connection to my work and the people it reaches.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things that success never could. Growing up with humble beginnings and as a person of color shaped how I see the world and how I move through it. It taught me patience, gratitude, and the importance of listening. It also made me more empathetic toward people who are often overlooked or struggling. That perspective naturally found its way into my paintings. I try to capture both pain and resilience in my work, using symbolism to reflect the complexity of human experience.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to creating work that represents my community and tells stories that often go unheard. I want my art to challenge how people see culture, identity, and politics, especially from the perspective of someone with Latin roots. It’s not something that happens overnight, but I’m dedicated to building that body of work over time, one that feels honest and connected to where I come from. No matter how long it takes, I want to keep creating spaces through art where people can see themselves and feel understood.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
I think I’d regret not taking more risks with my art and not pushing my ideas as far as they could go. It’s easy to get comfortable or doubt yourself, but I never want fear or hesitation to shape my path. I’d also regret not giving myself the chance to fully experience life, traveling more, learning from different people, and letting those moments influence my work. At the end of the day, I just don’t want to look back and feel like I played it too safe, either in art or in living.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thetototheory.com/
- Instagram: @thetototheory
