EP52 - COLOMBIAN VISUAL ARTIST - Catalina Carvajal

Colombian visual artist and illustrator living in Essex, via Mexico and Suffolk, it’s a complicated story! She paints murals, creates digital illustrations, picture books and everything in between. Fine art and snobbery in art. Catalina blames her ADHD for ending up in Essex, she met an English man in Mexico who shared the same music taste (Josef K), and she decided to go on an adventure to Ipswich. Her experience in Ipswich ended up inspiring her artwork. It is hard to make a living from art in Colombia. In Mexico, Catalina funded her art and illustration studies by working in an advertising agency and also reviewing gigs. Catalina started getting freelance illustration commissions. And then onto bigger picture book commissions where she could be more experimental with styles. The difference between commercial and community mural projects. Window art - Big up Juliet Townsend and her amazing work! Catalina has two super powers - 1, being able to mix colours precisely. 2, being able to estimate measurements precisely like a Human Ruler. Is she a robot? Moving location, county, country means you have to start building a new network, and it can be tough. Finding your tribe. Looking for creative spaces locally. How is AI going to impact mural makers? Winter is brilliant for creative hibernation and getting loads of stuff done. Public art like murals and window art gives a sense of place against the commercial homogenisation of the high street. Catalina does some visual work for the fun Essex band Dingus Khan. She’s also been getting crowds going wild on the dancefloor by DJing Colombian music in Colchester. ADHD, hyperfocus and being prolific as an artist. Pro tip: Don’t wear dungarees on a tour with a band, the dive bar toilets are not suitable! Being inspired by emotions and nature. Mind blowing - Essex wildlife is very exotic to a Colombian - big up the foxes! Catalina's websiteCatalina on InstagramAre You Creative? recorded by Adam at Lawker Media, Chelmsford, ESSEXEdited by Nick HearneArtwork by Alpaca AntennaDon't forget to like, subscribe, share and all the good stuff.Follow our Instagram for latest news and behind the scenes photos  Send comments, questions, or suggestions for fascinating creative people in Essex give us a shout on our Instagram Thanks to NGDA for their support