My name is Lupe Flores, a self-representing artist and self taught. I was born in Compton, Ca. when I was about five my family moved to my parents’ hometown, a small pueblo in Jalisco, Mex., called San Francisco De Asis. where I was exposed to my Mexican culture. I describe my work as dark, folk, gothic surreal feel of fictional characters. Working in Medias, such as acrylic on canvas, polymer clay and stitched rag dolls, I have tried to imagine certain emotions; pain, sorrow, lose, and happiness. Always in a folk art feel, reminiscent of my culture and legends from my hispanic background I began to have interest in expressing myself through art, pretty young.

Throughout the years I began to find my unique one of a kind style. In my high school days I took two years of art class. There is where I found the freedom to begin to explore my creating techniques.

During this time I meet a person who was a strong influence on my art. My art teacher was a great inspiration. She showed me how to be original and take risk in persuing my career. There I also was introduced to Dia de los Muertos traditions and the great Mexican artistic culture.

In ’98 I created Dia de los muertos cards. Simple husband and wife Calaveras standing side by side. I was unsure on what to do with them. My mentor Mrs. Christensen had this idea, going to the Plaza Olvera in Los Angeles, and selling my cards to the many gift and traditional shops in the plaza. I was so unsure of stepping out of the box. It paid off; a few tienditas bought a couple dozen. I was there inspired even further to explore what I could really do.

In 2004 I began to sell my original acrylic painting and rag dolls on eBay. With not many of my pieces selling, I began to doubt what the next step was. Even with this, I knew my style was different and I had so much more to create. I expanded my collection of handmade stitched rag dolls. Making each one distinctive and one of a kind.

As time went on people began to recognize my work and began to commission pieces. Leading me into different opportunities like featuring my art at a variety of galleries across the nation, including Hyaena Gallery, Encantada gallery and Lunarboy Gallery. Another great experience was an interview with Lupe Posada a fellow artist. It’s flattering when another artist shows interest in my art. I continue to create and hope to catch your eye with my upcoming works

Read Interview

To View my new and past artwork visit My Art Portfolio