Meet Monica Curiel | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Curiel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, how do you think about risk?
In the realm of art and design, risk-taking holds significant importance. Creative growth is impossible without embracing risks. As an advocate for my work and practice, taking risks becomes an essential part of both my business and creative processes. While risks should be well thought out, they must also be seen as opportunities for growth, learning, and ultimately, success. Without venturing into the unknown, there’s limited room for innovation and the chance to stand out in a competitive field. In my career, calculated risks have been pivotal, opening doors to new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of my creative journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others?

My art is an ode to my heritage, influenced by my childhood experiences as a daughter of Mexican immigrants. Using labor materials like plaster and grouting tools, each piece serves as a personal connection to my culture and a tribute to immigrant laborers, creating a unique narrative in my work. I aspire to be an industry tastemaker and a representation of my community through my practice and work.

What am I most proud of or excited about in my professional journey?

I am grateful for the narrative I get to share through my work and its materiality, rooted in the labor materials of my upbringing. It’s a profound honor to use my practice as a means of staying connected to my Mexican heritage. I find excitement in the endless opportunities for experimentation within my practice—exploring the narratives of the pieces I create

How did I get to where I am today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did I overcome the challenges?

The journey of a creative demands vulnerability, clarity of purpose, and an understanding that success is far from linear. My professional path has been significantly shaped by the unwavering support of peers, clients, family, and the community at large. Challenges, rather than setbacks, have been viewed as pivotal growth opportunities; it is a collective effort— it takes a village. Anything in life worth pursuing with passion is never going to be easy.

What lessons have I learned along the way?

I couldn’t possibly share everything I’ve learned in the last couple of years, but what I can say is that every challenge encountered has served as a valuable avenue for creative growth. Utilizing my heritage as the core inspiration of my work has granted me a deeper understanding of myself and what I aim to express through my art. Authentic storytelling, in particular, brings a profound richness to art. A fundamental lesson I’ve learned is the importance of believing in the intrinsic worth of oneself and one’s work, preceding any expectations from others. I’ve come to understand that, much like myself, my work undergoes evolution, change, and takes on different meanings or perspectives, and that is something to be honored.

What do I want the world to know about me or my brand and story?

While my art serves as a personal connection to my culture and a tribute to immigrant laborers, its purpose equally extends to enhancing the beauty of spaces. It is intended to evoke emotion and is crafted for those who appreciate the intricacies of design and art, particularly individuals drawn to the craftsmanship of handmade items.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If my best friend were visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time, I would start the day by taking them out for coffee at Aviano Coffee in Cherry Creek. Depending on the time of year, I would then guide them to Denver Botanic Gardens, have brunch at Local Jones, and stop by my favorite museum in Denver’s Golden Triangle, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, followed by the Clyfford Still Museum. For dinner, we would enjoy a meal at Urban Farmer Denver, located in the Oxford Hotel. On the weekend, we’d embark on a hike in Estes Park, and the following day, I would plan to attend a concert at either Red Rocks or the Bluebird Theater.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout goes to Alex. Grateful for her support.

Website: https://monicacuriel.art/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicacuriel.art/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monicacuriel.arte

Image Credits
The photographer for all of these images is Jimena Peck