This is VIBE Spotlight: a weekly series that celebrates and shines a light on VIBE Arts’ roster of talented artists. Each Monday, our Instagram and website feature a different VIBE Artist and provide a look into their craft. Stay tuned and get to know the diverse talent that makes up our organization and community with #VIBESpotlight.
On this VIBE Spotlight, we’re shining a light on Joaquín Varela. Joaquín is an artist working in painting, drawing and digital mediums on VIBE’s Emerging Artist Roster. Joaquín was the artist leading VIBE Bloom sessions this past June–you can sign up for July Bloom sessions here.
VIBE: What has been one of your greatest accomplishments to date?
Joaquín: Making large scale work that has come out of community input and involvement.
VIBE: What has been one of your favourite moments while being on the VIBE roster?
Joaquín: It has been very rewarding to see people take away lessons and to see that reflected in their work after facilitating workshops.
VIBE: Is there anything you are currently working on that you would like to share?
Joaquín: I am currently creating work that involves local wildlife in hopes of promoting our unique species found in and around our city. I am excited to share this with the public and inspire people to get out and explore our parks and backyards more.
VIBE: What are some of your future goals?
Joaquín: A current goal is to create more public large scale work.
VIBE: What is one of the greatest lessons you have learned thus far?
Joaquín: To have patience and to trust the process. I always create stronger work when I spend time researching, listening, exploring and experimenting before delving into a project.
VIBE: What changes would you like to see in Toronto’s Art community?
Joaquín: I would like to see more BIPOC voices being showcased and highlighted in our city’s cultural landscapes.
Support Joaquín: @whakeen | www.joaquinvarela.com
Stay tuned for more VIBE Artists on VIBE Spotlight.