Charles Leano; a local, up and coming artist is who I had the pleasure of interviewing. Charles stated that since childhood he has always been into the arts and has dreamed of becoming a professional artist. Him as a young artist is struggling to find his voice and recognition in a industry that is make or break tough. He credits certain quality's in giving him the push and support to stand tall and find his way to fame. He says his status is one of a young business man, creating a product and being his own sales man in a market of diverse work and creativity. His goal is to make a living off his craft and be able to negotiate with buyers and art lovers the same.
Charles describes his role as a creator, envisioning something and then being able to bring it into existence. He says he uses a vast array of mediums to accomplish his paintings and uses a open mind in finding how to push the boundary's of the ordinary into a new unexplored territory of uncertainty. His pieces of work range from paintings to sculptures; even doing larger work such as murals. I asked him what events in his life so far he has been most fulfilling in his career thus far. He recalls being hired to design and paint murals at a tanning salon and being excited to get his first big gig.
Though Charles has had many positive experiences that show a trend of him heading to the big leagues, he recounts that one must be able to full with the bad too and be patient. When asked about negative emotions he has dealt with since the start of his journey to fame, Charles talked about learning to accept peoples likes and dislikes. In an industry such as that of art, criticism presents itself here and there; "you have to understand that there will always be people who fall in love with what you do and others who don't. Whats important is that you stay true to yourself and just do what you love!". Charles currently is working on a new project series that he says will be one of his best to date. He intends to be able to create art that is interactive and brings a smile to peoples faces, "I'm working on a new piece that will hopefully be met with big open arms and that people will love."; Charles says he couldn't explain more than that but to be on the look out in the next 2 months. Pieces of Charles work can currently be seen at The Hangar, which is located the heart of the Design District, Wynwood.
As my interview with the very talented artist Charles came to an end, he wanted to send out an invitation to all art lovers and people looking just to have a good time; "On the second Saturday of February and March, galleries in Wynwood open up their doors to the public and its a great chance to check out local artist and have a good time".
