Today we’d like to introduce you to K’leena Jauregui
Hi K’Leena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in El Paso,Texas in 2002. My father was a Mexican citizen and my mother a U.S. Citizen. I was put into the adoption system at 6 months of age. I was then adopted not long after and grew up with a Chicana family who also came to America from Mexico, we moved around to different states before deciding on Las Vegas, NV. I spent 12 years in Las Vegas before returning back to Texas for college. My passion for art grew as a way to cope with my emotions and grief as a child. I started drawing at the age of three. When I was in kindergarten my art was recognized by my teacher. We were instructed to draw what we saw from our field trip at the Arizona zoo that day, I don’t remember much other than drawing on a big posted board and after all the kids were done with their drawings I kept adding more animals, trees, fences, people, etc. My teacher was impressed and from there is where it all started. While learning to understand who I was and where I came from, art was always there right at my finger tips anytime I needed to clear my head, collect thoughts, or purely escape reality. Growing up in Las Vegas gave me street knowledge and had an impact on my hustle, style and in my art as well as the mediums I use. In middle school I taught myself how to improve my skills. In highschool I found out that my art was admired and could sell. Education in Las Vegas wasn’t the best so I focused my talents and brain in art and it’s many forms. After graduating, I chose to come to Texas for college where I’m currently studying architecture and obtaining my masters degree. Houston was where I started to vendor and sell my art in markets and events. I know sell across the nation and vendor in both cities in Texas and Las Vegas, NV. My art may be good to some, but my creations can ways improve and be better that’s why I continue to push myself with every new piece.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For me, it’s always just been me steering the ship and teaching myself as an artist what to do next. Being an artist is a struggle in its own entirety. Getting to where I am today has not always been easy. There’s been plenty of times where I’ve thought of plan B, C, D, E all the way to Z. Because trying to become a recognizable artist isn’t something that just happens after one piece is made. You can have the best creation in the world but getting that recognizition for it. For that creation to be seen by the whole world. Takes time. Takes patience. It’s takes commitment to yourself, your work, your beliefs. I’ve struggled and continue to struggle with not having the resources. Not having the right presentation for my set up during vending. To even struggling with just creating and drawing in general. Sometimes you feel drained or empty so there’s nothing in mind to create. I’ve had to teach myself to move and still paint or draw even when there’s nothing left in me. When I’m at crossed roads and art block is the only thing in my way. I try to scribble. Draw a doodle on some homework or just draw something even though I know I’ll hate it. Sometimes I find myself in situations where I can’t create due to circumstances like having to go to school. Being a mother where it’s my responsibility to put my child and her life above all. Sometimes it sets me back to creating what I want or from pushing myself even more to a higher potential in skill. The whole Idea of being an artist can be a struggle. From learning to being recognized, to even being a top selling artist. In any form, it’s a struggle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m traditionally a painter. I work with acrylics mainly, but I’ve done sketches for people. I’ve done wood burning and sold pieces using that medium. I recently started incorporating graffiti styles and using spray paints. I mainly specialize in digital art and traditional art. However, my experience is versatile. I’ve learned jewelry making, tile art, pottery, sand art, digital art, oil, acrylic, watercolor, ink, etc. People mainly known me for my paintings since that’s what I’m more proud of showing to others. I also created “PotHeads” a silly idea I came up with while in Texas. With people with no face who where kitchen pots on their heads. To some it’s cute, to others it’s funny. All around a popular creation of mine. Another thing that has recently become popular amongst my followers and clients is realism paintings of grills inside mouths. It’s hard to have them seen in galleries because the originals tend to sell right away. I’m studying architecture and hope to one day become known for that. I’ve already been hired by a few to design commercial buildings in the future after I pass the state exams.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think taking risks is crucial in art. In order to really push yourself and become better, an artist needs to challenge them self and take risks. Art is a way of appreciation experimentation and the process of creation. I’ve had to take risks with all of my pieces. I’ve risked the possible outcome of some pieces just because I’ve wanted to learn and experiment with new mediums or colors. I’ve taken risks leaving my home and living all on my own in another state. That’s more of a personal risk but I think that’s important to mention too. Since that helped me build more connections and create trust with others from other places. I think that might of been one of my biggest risks. It taught me how to put my trust in a greater force and to keep going also to learn how to swim with the currents of society. It also is what put me where I’m at today.
Pricing:
- “Our grillz” $400
- “Ri€h $mil£” $250
- “Slow burn” $250
- “Cali wash” $120
- “Late night sesh” $120
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Image credits:
@kj.studios
Kleena Jauregui
@thisisjustinjones
Justin Jones
