Meet A.H. Romero | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with A.H. Romero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi A.H., do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
The discipline to make art when I’m not entirely well has been a good habit for me personally & professionally. Discipline beats talent every time. Also to listen to that inner voice and take the time off necessary for a recharge when I need to. Life happens, things come up so I try to always be productive in some way, even if it seems insignificant. Everything is part of the process. If I’m not actively painting, I’m sketching, writing down ideas, gathering reference materials or preparing substrates/panels.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We all have a unique story that might overlap different aspects of the artistic spectrum that help set us apart from others. In my case I’m a first generation Mexican American that grew up mostly in Los Angeles so I really enjoy Chicano Art & Chicano Culture. The Muralism, low rider, graffiti, tattoo culture, protest art etcetera was all influential to me on some degree as an artist. Throughout my artistic development it was always there. Even though my art doesn’t overtly display those themes today I consider myself a Chicano artist.
I’m also a Veteran artist, having served honorably in the Army as an Infantryman. I went to college after my time in service and rediscovered my passion for making art at my community college. I credit the discipline & drive I developed being an Infantryman for turning me from someone who barely graduated high school at an adult school to a professional artist with an MFA. At this point in my career I don’t really create artwork that’s conspicuously service related but at the end of the day I am a Veteran artist.
I have a dual citizenship thanks to my parents so I live in Mexico from time to time. I grew up & went to school there for a while so it’s nothing out of the ordinary for me to head South. I get to hang out with my mom, extended family & a few old friends plus I have a little studio space out there where I get to create in peace. Inspiration is everywhere out there. The art scene is vibrant. Lots of cool stuff happens weekly and it’s always refreshing to see what folks are doing. I attend workshops and learn about different mediums & techniques that sometimes spill over to my painting process. My Western Art practice is directly impacted by my past/current life experiences in Mexico & helps set me apart from others.

I’m really excited about my solo show with Gateway Gallery in Ocotillo, California. It’ll open in the last week of October (as of right now) so I’m currently developing that body of work.

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’m a bit of a rambler, my situation lets me travel around quite a bit. I really dig Denver but I’m not too familiar with it yet. Last place I was genuinely stable for a cool minute was San Diego. I would start light with a visit to Chicano Park to see some cool art, shop at some boutiques there to support small businesses and have some delicious tacos & beers at Border X. Another day could be Ocean Beach for some tasty pizza at Pizza Port. Then get some sunshine & walk the carbs off at Dog Beach a few blocks away. Balboa Park is always a go-to place for me. There’s a lot of great museums, a stunning botanical garden plus great architecture. There’s an art walk in La Jolla on Fridays that’s always a treat. First stop would be to check out what awesomeness Thumbprint Gallery has up and go from there. San Diego is truly a gem, there’s plenty to do and see in Downtown, North Park, Coronado. A visit to The Salton Sea or even Tijuana if they’re feeling adventurous (and have their passport haha).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I don’t think I’d be the man that I am today without God and the path he’s set for me. Right behind Him I would give credit to the support of my immediate family as well as fellow artist (& my best friend since high school) REV and his brothers (the whole family really). I will always appreciate their love, encouragement and also their honesty. Always pushing me to be better too. Last but not least my kid! She changed my life for the better and has been an inspirational motivating force in my life for almost 12 years now.

Instagram: _hdez.romero_art