Artist Ruben Rojas and his “You Belong Here” mural.
LOS ANGELES, CA (LA ELEMENTS) 8/30/2021- “Unity”, “Equality” and “You Belong Here” are among the statements behind the murals of “Summer of Love,” the five-piece art installation by artist Ruben Rojas. The display will be at the Westfield Mall, Topanga and The Village until the end of September 2021 and includes the sculpture “The Heart of the Valley.”
UNITY “Harmony. Balance. Solidarity. There’s strength in numbers. Together we can create change and bring more love into the world.” – Ruben Rojas
Rojas won acclaim as an artist through his vibrant murals with their insightful and inspirational messages. Using the medium of spray painting and acrylic, you can find the native Angeleno’s art not only in his city of Los Angeles, but in other cities throughout the country such as Houston (“I AM LOVE”) and Philadelphia, (“EMPOWER”) International cities such as the French capital, Paris, have also hosted his work. (“Liberté. Egalité. Amour.”)
EQUALITY “We’re all human. We’re all love.” – Ruben Rojas
Rojas is a co-founder of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Beautify Earth. According to their mission statement, this company works to “create impactful murals in neglected areas by engaging with brands, cities, developers, small businesses, neighborhood organizations, schools and individuals.” Beautify Earth is open to like-minded artists who wish to use their talents to bring inspiration and beauty to their neighborhoods.
We reached out to Ruben Rojas to learn more about him, the inspiration behind his work and what he loves about his city.
We know that you’re from Los Angeles. We’d love to know more about your early life. In which part of Los Angeles were you born and raised? Growing up, were there teachers who believed in your artistic talent and encouraged you to explore art as a career?
I was born at Cedar Sinai and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. I was blessed to have a lot of teachers that cared and encouraged me in all subjects. I wasn’t specifically encouraged to explore art as a career, though. Art was a hobby I enjoyed in my spare time, a passion project while I studied to be an orthopedic surgeon. I took the long scenic route to become the artist that I am today. Ultimately, I’m the person who believed in my artistic talent and encouraged myself to explore art as a career.
Were there other career paths that you pursued before art?
Art was my first love, but it wasn’t my first, second or even third career. I worked as a personal trainer in college while I studied for my B.S. in Kinesiology. After college, I fell into real estate, then transitioned into finance after losing everything when the economy crashed in 2008. In 2014, I painted my first mural and continued painting murals as a full-time financial advisor. In 2018, I stopped going to the office and decided I was all in on art. I donated all my suits, and I was an artist from that point on.
Which artists have inspired your work?
I honestly try not to look at other artists work for artistic inspiration. You have to create your own path to get to where you want to be. I’m more fascinated with their careers, looking at how they run their businesses and learning what makes them tick.
Is there a singular theme that powers your work?
“Live Through Love.” It’s my mantra. It’s a way of life. “Live Through Love” is about choosing love, approaching everything from the lens of love, and being proactive in problem solving. When we “Live Through Love,” we empower ourselves and others to make the world a better, more loving place.
Los Angeles is seen by many as being a progressive city. And yet, issues of homelessness and in this time of Covid, divisiveness between people willing to wear masks vs. those who refuse, are front and center these days. What contradictions about L.A have made the deepest impressions on you and is there an artwork of yours that addresses those issues or will there be one in the future?
LA is not perfect. Art can’t solve social problems or end the pandemic. But art does help us through difficult times. My work encourages the viewer to come from a place of love. When you come from love, you can accept everyone and everything. I know that’s easier said than done, but with intentional practice, it gets easier. I know as new challenges arise, I will continue to be actively sharing my work and connecting with culture.
During the pandemic, I painted murals that encouraged us to come from love and respect one another. The first mural says, “Love is Standing Six Feet Apart,” which was about giving each other space during these trying times. The next mural states, “You Can’t Quarantine Love,” which went viral. “Quarantine” is such a triggering buzzword, so, I wanted to reframe it in a positive light. Yes, we had to quarantine and stay indoors, refrain from being social while humanity navigated the Covid waters, and while doing so, love was always present and could not be quarantined.
What do you love the most about Los Angeles?
Besides the epic weather and ease of hitting the mountains and the beach on the same day? LA feels like home. It’s a city for dreamers and creators. A city where you can be who you want to be and being yourself is encouraged. My life changed when I embraced who I wanted to be, and I know it can do the same for so many others.
Cover image of Ruben Rojas with his sculpture, “Heart of the Valley.”
Follow LA ELEMENTS on Instagram and Twitter. Like us on Facebook.
No Comments