Phillip “Figuer” Figueroa, a Southern California born and raised artist. I draw inspiration from a multitude of factors in and around my life. Factors such as my family and children, society and the current events, local and non-local people and their cultures, and animal and wildlife conservation. Inspired also by unforgotten Indigenous people and their history and native folklore, or day to day life and the interactions that coincide with them. Inspiration can come from anywhere in life at any moment and with the right research and vision can create a very pleasing outcome.
Creation of my art comes with genuine love and passion. I have hopes the viewer can feel the love and passion when seeing my painting process or viewing the final outcome of my artwork. Coming from a traditional and digital painting background for both small and large scale art projects, I am proficient in hand mixing of colors and using brushstrokes. But I have evolved into spray paint techniques for application and brushes if need be. Being a realistic artist and always painting graffiti or typography for projects I eventually evolved from painting with classical brushstrokes to painting with spray-paint strokes. The process was fluid and exciting. The feeling that the spray-paint gives along with proficiency as a tool is epic. Utilizing classic techniques with the spray-paint technique make for a great combination and very awe inspiring outcome. People often are in amazement by the spray-paint technique and the professionalism of the artwork being done. Some people are very bias and hesitant when hearing the spray-paint concept. When they see what is done with spray-paint or a paint sprayer, they often end up having the opposite reaction and end up more open minded and accept the craft or medium of choice being used.
It is amazing the way that artwork creates a conversation topic for all walks of life and demographic. It creates human interaction, which is important to our day to day lives. We’re at a time where human interaction is at an all-time low and we need that interaction more than ever. It is an amazing feeling to see the different walks of life that come together on a common ground and to see positive vibes exchanged. The artwork creates beauty for places in dire need of uplifting and hope. It can add beauty to the well-kept and well-to-do places of this world.
When creating my art, I hope the locals, visitors from afar, and viewers of the artwork walk away with a smile and warm feeling. The human interactions with people watching me paint and their reactions are priceless. More importantly, they are forever cherished and appreciated. I am always evolving as a human and in my art daily. The viewer’s reactions and appreciation of my craft are moments that humble me and keep hungry to outdo the last project. They motivate and re-insure in myself that my art is how I can reach people with positivity and a smile, and that’s what I’m here for in life.
