Interview

Nov 19

Joey Cruz Margarejo

Joey Cruz Margarejo is a self-taught artist. Originally from the Philippines, he moved to Canada in 1997, and is now base in Edmonton, Alberta.

Joey has had shows in Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver and New York, and plans to have future shows in L.A., Monaco, Chicago, Japan and many other places.

Some of Joey's works are featured in various books that have been distributed all over the world. As an artist, Joey believes that artists should be free.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My background as an artist is very simple. I taught myself abstract art using acrylic paints on canvas. In fact, I don’t even know how to draw or sketch. None of my parents or siblings have an interest in art, but I was very influenced by my best friend, actor/painter Mike Austria, and his father, Tam Austria, a well-known Filipino artist. By 8 or 9, I was already aware of the Mona Lisa, da Vinci and Michelangelo from old magazines and books. I didn’t fully understand how great they were, but I loved looking at their works.
In Grade 5, my teacher, Norma Magtalas introduced me to this crazy world of art. My first artwork was a pink Valentine's card. My teacher admired my work. She showed it to the other teachers and hung it up on the wall. From there my, enthusiasm for art began to grow. My best friend and his father allowed me to use their brushes, paints and canvas, and continued to encourage me. They invited me to show my work in one of their exhibitions together with other artists, and surprisingly, two of my paintings were the first to be sold. That is when I acknowledged that I am an artist.”

“My daily life is my inspiration. When I wake up in the morning and see the sun, I instantly feel inspired. I love watching the sun during the day, and the moon and stars at night.
My family, relatives and friends are also my inspiration. In fact, I’m now starting to name my artworks after them as a tribute.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

I have no themes in particular, but I always love to instill a positive value. There was a time when music and movies motivated me and I would find coincidental messages inside them. I believe that every brush stroke and color has meaning, and I love it when people think of that.

Which artists influence you most?

“I can’t think of any one in particular, though I admire and love European art and artists. Although I love Van Gogh, even his insanity, I don’t think he has influenced me. Some of my clients think I am more of a Monet.”

What is your creative process like?

“I love pouring tons of acrylic paints on my canvas. The more the paint, the more I love it. I use only my two brushes and my hands to work the paint on the canvas. When the colours drip and run into one another, like when green becomes blue, red becomes orange, or purple becomes fuchsia, I feel I have created something, even though it may be very different from the original concept.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“Art can unite the whole world. Every time I join an art exposition, interact with artists from different parts of the world, or listen to different languages and accents, I am more convinced this statement is true.”