10 Questions w/ Mincho Vega

1. Where were u born? Current city or region?

I was born in Concord, CA which is in the East Bay Area. I currently live in Brooklyn NY, having been here for nearly 20 years. 

2. Who is the artist or artwork that inspired you to do your first piece on a wall/canvas?

Twist (Barry Mcgee), Dream, Ariel Shepard, and many many early Chicano/a muralists and painters which I was exposed to through books. Also Lowrider Magazine was a great inspiration early on. 

3. How many yrs have u been painting ?

I have been painting for approx 27 years. Still learning though.  

4. What do folks know u for art wise? 

I would say my silhouette style skulls, I call them my Muertitos, small ancestor paintings usually on paper and wood. I am also known for creating or installing Day of Dead ofrendas, or altars. 

“On the surface my work can be a typical skull….but I often layer them with topics, Central American folklore, plant life… or make comments about social issues. “ -Mincho Vega

5. What’s something people often don’t see or understand about your work?

On the surface my work can be a typical skull or calavera but I often layer them with topics, Central American folklore, plant life that hold special meaning to our lands or make comments about social issues. 

6. Whats your medium of choice? What’s something new you’d like to try in a different medium?

As of the last few years I have been using watercolor and gouache on paper and wood. I am putting those on hold for the next few months as I begin experimenting with paper mache and clay, to make masks. I've always wanted to make time to make wearable masks and now I am making those movements. I also want to begin carving wood. 

7. Song that gets you ready to work? Song that chills you out?

I want to say some artists that get me focused and excited to work on art would be folks like Kendrick, Deuce Eclipse, Ruben Blades, Ibeyi, Misfits, RATM, Run the Jewels, Zion I, The Grouch and many more. To chill me out and meditate on my process I would say Moses Sumney, Ben Harper, Radiohead and folks wouldn't guess it but I dig a good amount of soundtrack classical music by Philip Glass, Max Richter and Cinematic Orchestra. 

8. As an artist in the game what advice do u give to younger artists in terms of biz, health, relationships, or creativity?

Experiment, make mistakes, practice and practice, compare yourself to no one, always be a student and be humble enough to learn, know your worth and get paid, negotiate with those in working relationships to get paid your worth, listen and respect the elders and the youth, humans are not the top of the food chain we are related to everything on this planet and off planet, ask questions and question history. Lastly, practice writing about your art, your process and how to write up a budget. Ask for feedback and help with those skills.  

9. What’s a social justice or political issue people need to pay more attention to?

I cannot name just one or two issues, I would say pay attention to what calls you, to what touches your heart and focus on that. 

10. What’s something you’re really proud of accomplishing recently?

Wiggling out of my comfort zone with painting and illustration and making a paper mache mask. I know it is not my last and I want to do better.  

To support Mincho Vega’s work check out his Instagram here

If you missed the last 10 Questions w/ Franceska Gamez check that out here