Meet Abel (Pato ) Aguilar | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abel (Pato ) Aguilar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abel (Pato ), why did you pursue a creative career?
What I remember is having an urge to grab a brush and paint. I used to draw some popular cartoon characters as a kid but never considered myself an artist. At the age of 27 with only $40 in my pocket, I went to a local art supply store. I followed my intuition and bought what I thought an artist needed. I remember getting a 10 pack of cheap canvases, some acrylic paint set, and a brush set. I went back home and started playing around. Without any instruction in the painting process, I opted to read the directions on the paint brush packages to see what each brush is used for.

As soon as I started, it was like I was young Arthur who just pulled the sword out of the stone. It felt so magical when I picked up the brush and started to paint, I knew it was my purpose to do art. That was back in 2012. My latest series “Non Timebo Mala” was exhibited from February to March at Galleria Mitotera in South Tucson, AZ. I also have several artworks in group shows at &gallery and Steinfeld Warehouse Community Arts Center in Tucson, AZ.

Looking back, I always knew that I’m meant to be: an artist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is a multitude of voices and styles. From my series of self portraits to gangster cherubs that are full of character and originality; I use bold colors and intriguing symbolism to express a spiritual journey of emotions, self-reflection, and the human condition.

I’m excited about my new series, that I’ve named Japamex, I’ve prepared ideas, sketches, and designs for the past 5 years, Japamex is a fusion of cultures with references of classical Japanese art combined with Mexican icons and symbolism. This series is inspired by several Japanese artist masters such as the samurai woodblock prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi. In this series I use painting techniques from Mexican Folk art, similar to the indigenous crafters from Oaxaca, Mexico. The series will consist in more than 30 pieces. Every time I develop new work is an opportunity to learn new things.

I have been painting for 10 years and it’s never been an easy journey. Success can be subjective. There are many challenges that I take each one as they come.

The biggest challenge is to sustain my art business economically, which means to sell my work, but its tough to find the right market and venues. This is the first year that I’ve been a full time artist, before I’ve had a job to help supplement my income. It’s a trade off, because now I can paint more. Though I also need to find new sources of income through writing grants, adding products to my website’s shop (patoaguilarart.com), being a vendor at “Made in Tucson” and other events. So far I haven’t been awarded a grant or sold any products on my website. To me that means there’s more to learn in order to be successful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to Historic 4th Ave and the arts district in Tucson. I love to support my favorite art galleries like &gallery on 4th ave, Galería La Mitotera in South Tucson, and the Steinfeld Warehouse. When it comes to food, there’s an overwhelming amount of restaurants but I personally love Mexican food. La Fresita is a super friendly, family-owned place on the west side of town and Seis at Mercado San Agustin are at the top of my list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
People who have loved, encouraged and supported me: my mother, my partner, and my close groups of friends. It’s like double luck because the majority of them are creative minds as well; musicians, painters, crafters. I’m very grateful for all of them.

Website: https://patoaguilarart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patoaguilarart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patoaguilarart

Other: I’m very active on Instagram and would love for you to join me on my artist journey. To be notified of upcoming art events, exhibitions, and promotions, please join my email newsletter on my website patoaguilarart.com