Miami-based artist and fashion designer Vic Garcia discussed energy, inclusivity and a hope to create a lasting impact on the art world during the University of Wisconsin-Madison Latine Heritage Month keynote speech.
This year's Latine Heritage Month theme was “Amor Sin Fronteras,” which aims to recognize and appreciate the many diverse cultures across Latin America and the United States and how they flourish in today’s world.
When asked why he believed it is vital to have Latino voices in the art industry, Garcia joked, “I think it would be boring without them.”
Garcia, an artist of Cuban heritage, is known for his joyful character-based artwork. His canvases and fashion line have attracted the attention of many notable public figures, including Manny Machado, Bad Bunny and Jennifer Lopez. Yet Garcia is always looking to new techniques to convey his passion. Currently, he is exploring sculptures and vinyl toys based on the beloved characters from his “world.”
“If you can look at one of my canvases or one of the things I create… and just connect with the world I’ve created for five ten minutes and I made you feel good, made you feel a sense of joy,” Garcia said, “I did my job.”
Garcia said it was this hope that gave him the opportunity to speak in Madison.
Reflecting on his own roots, Garcia shared that his parents came to the U.S. with nothing, chasing the opportunity to live in a free country. Throughout his life, Garcia has chased opportunity too — using his to pursue his own dreams and passions in the art world. Positivity and hard work have been the foundation of the success he has found, he said.
“To be honest, I think any dream is possible with a lot of hard work and dedication,” he said. “It’s instilled in my roots and I continue to preach where I'm from.”
Garcia studied business marketing in Boston, and it was not until after he had earned his degree that he decided to pursue a full-time art career. At the time, one of his professors told Garcia his doodles would not get him anywhere in life, he recounted. Even now, Garcia said he had no idea his life would have taken this direction in college.
Garcia expressed his gratitude to be able to find his passion. Although he has already achieved great success, he has even bigger dreams he still wishes to accomplish. Garcia shared that while it is important to acknowledge past accomplishments, it is just as important to always look ahead and keep building towards what is coming next.
“Chase your dreams, knock on those doors if that door doesn't open, keep knocking because eventually it will open,” he said. “This doesn't come easy. I’ve been at this now probably ten years.”
All in all, Garcia’s love and passion for giving back to his community came across as an overarching theme of his speech.
Garcia said his “dream collaboration” would be to “give back to the community and work with underprivileged children that don't have the opportunity to surround themselves with someone who's [making art] at this level that I'm doing it at.”
