Inspiration Avenue-Meet Flor Larios

I’ve been giving a lot of thought lately to the people who inspire me.  Being self-taught, I rely a lot on other artists that I run across on the internet.  There are so many amazing ones out there, I thought it would be great to introduce my followers to the ones that have driven me to where I am today.  I rely a lot on blogs to introduce me to new people, so I’m going to return the favor by periodically featuring interviews with the artists who inspire me the most.  There is no set schedule for these posts, just whenever I am able to get an interview with someone, so keep checking back.

One of my favorites artists is Flor Larios.  Flor is an amazing artist and such a beautiful person as well.  I’ve emailed her a couple of times to ask questions, and she has always responded and been very helpful to me.  I would like her to know how much I appreciate that.  Sometimes it’s really hard to get information or figure things out, and it’s great to have fellow artists to share along the way.  When I started thinking about what to ask her, I looked at other artist interviews.  I was getting really bogged down trying to figure out what questions to ask.  Which ones are the best?  Then, I decided, what do I want to know about Flor?  So, I closed out the other interviews and took that approach.  This is what I wanted to know most.  I hope you guys enjoy it.

1.       Can you please introduce yourself and your work.
Originally from Nicaragua.  I am a self-taught artist and like to create mixing techniques and combining old with new expressing kindness, tenderness, magic, and mysticism thru my art. 

2.     How long have you been painting?
   Forever!

3.       How did you get started making art?
Years ago.  I became interested after visiting museums in Boston and New York.  

4.       I’ve noticed that you have quite a large following.  Do you mind telling us what marketing strategies have worked for you so far?  Is there something you would like to try and haven’t yet?
Thank you!  Just keep going even when you have doubts or feel extremely tired.

5.       What are your favorite materials to work with?
Oil pastels and metallic paints.

6.       What inspires your paintings?
Antique religious icons and Frida Kahlo's art.

7.       What one piece of art has inspired you the most?
'The Birth of Venus' by Botticelli.

8.       Who are some of your favorite artists?
Frida, Gauguin, and Paul Klee.

9.       Do you currently teach any workshops?  If not, do you have any plans to do so in the future?
Not at this moment, maybe in the future.

10.   What are your dreams for your creative business in the future?  What is the one big thing you aspire to?
I would like for my art to be everywhere...who wouldn't?  To have a collection of children's books written by my husband and illustrated by me.

11.   What techniques or styles would you like to try that you don’t currently use?
I never use water colors... I might want to try that next...

12.   Besides making art, what other things to you like to do?
I like to worry about small things and big things...

13.  Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?  People really like to get to know artists and what makes them tick.  Sometimes it makes them more drawn to your work.
I am insanely shy.

I want to thank Flor for participating in my interview.  You can find her and her work on her blog or in her etsy shop.