RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS WITH ~ EMILIO VILLALBA BY PABLO G. VILLAZAN

Hey guys! it’s time for “Rapid Fire Questions”, our friend Pablo G. Villazan shares with us his Q&A session with San Francisco-based artist - Emilio Villalba.

Bio - Emilio Villalba is an American Postwar & Contemporary artist who was born in 1984. His work was featured in numerous exhibitions at key galleries and museums.

You can view one of Emilio’s amazing works at Padre Gallery’s new group show “My Own Universe” which opened up yesterday. - 60 E. 80th St. NY, NY 10075

So, Ready! Set! Gooooooo!

Who is Emilio Villalba?

Painter, Living and working in San Francisco, CA Mexican blood, born in Southern California.

Did you always want to be an artist?

I always wanted to be a painter, I don’t think of myself as someone who strived to be an artist or that being the goal. I do think I look for a creative side of every aspect of my life or task at hand.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from everywhere, it’s almost too much. It’s hard for me to focus on one source of inspiration, my brain is so scattered. Recently I have been painting from objects close to me and dear to me, I feel compelled to only paint things that I really know and understand, and that I feel a connection to or represents my identity somehow. I have been thinking about painting things again that I don’t “own” and implementing my sense of identity into them. Anything I paint ends up being mine through the image anyway through the interpretation process and composition.

Which artists have the greatest influence on your work?

Well, I’m always influenced and inspired by new artists and old. My favorites have always been Manet, Velazquez, and Lucian Freud. Recently I have been really into the works by David Hockney and Alice Neel. I like the sense of the “untrained” drawing and using the first attempt of the drawing as the base for the painting.

What is your process to create your work?

I take photos every day, all day long, around the house and around the neighborhood, while on my bike route or walking my dog. I’m constantly thinking of compositions and things to paint, and after all the work of coming up with a complex composition I end up painting a portrait, lol. I have to simplify as much as possible, because I get carried away in the details. I am really trying to think of how my paintings look rather than what is in the painting. It is easier said than done.

Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?

All of my paint supplies of course, and maybe my computer and my record player.

What is the meaning behind your artwork?

I dont think there is a meaning, necessarily, I think the paintings are a result of my journey as an artist and trying to find meaning in my life. The paintings are just a supporting act to my life, the meaning of my paintings are outside of them. There is definitely a narrative and a mood to all of my works, just how there is a story in a song.

Imagine that your paintings could talk, what would they say about you?

I honestly dont think they would talk, they would see. I have been thinking a lot about how paintings are completely visual for me. As a kid, I never asked what paintings meant... I was always captivated by the color and movement of the composition, and was content with that being the end all. Im terrible with words, and I really think I don’t have much to say. Seeing for me has always been my strongest sense, and I think that came from English being my second language.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Keep painting, be yourself.

Do you find the social channel’s influence Positive or Negative?

Both, I think its positive when it works for you and can be very difficult when its feels like the forces are against you.

Describe in 3 words how social channels affect you as an artist.

Exposure, Reflection, Connection.

What is your dream project?

Painting for a solo show.