Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Regalado.
Hi Juan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in a small town called Arafo located in Tenerife (Spain). It was at school at the age of 12 that I discovered a passion for drawing. After a few hesitant years, I decided to study graphic design at the Fernando Esteves art school. There, in a more artistic environment, my passion for drawing evolved into a passion for painting. After finishing my studies I started working in a newspaper as a graphic designer, always having art as a hobby. And with the explosion of the internet, a significant event occurred in my life that was the reason that brought me to move to the US, I met my wife, Karla. The second part of my life so far would start after I got married and moved to the United States. After an ephemeral stay in New York, we moved to Utah. In Utah, we settled in little by little, not without difficulties. I worked in several jobs but without the stability that could leave me time for my hobby, painting. It was after the birth of my oldest daughter Ariadna in 2009 that I got a job as a postman and with the arrival of my second daughter Emma in 2013 I managed and found the stability I had been looking for. That left me more free time to dedicate to painting, with more time my works were getting better, and with the support of my family, I decided to expose them to the world through Instagram. With much fear and little knowledge I dared. It was a great surprise that people liked what I did and that they communicated it to me. The decision now was whether to go one step further and turn my hobby into a business.
And so we come to today where I have found that social media has some great platforms where I can show the world what I do and I can also sell my work to whoever wants it. It is being a slow process with many difficult moments full of doubts but with each comment, like or sale I am filled with hope and encouragement to continue.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The most difficulties and challenges have been the language, culture, and food. Being away from home has been very difficult, I only get to see my family every other year when I am able to.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My experience and passion in painting from figurative to abstract. I often try to reflect in my works on the most important aspects of my adult life as a parent and an immigrant that wants to find his own place in a foreign country. And with my vision, I can inspire others and help with diversity.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, how important is it to have compassion for others. And family will always have an important role in our lives. At the same time, I have seen the other side of the coin, which has been very challenging to deal with. But I am hopeful that things will get better with time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: juanregalado74
