Valentina Pena Artist Statement & Bio

Artist Statement 

I am an artist and graphic designer that mostly work with digital design, typography, drawing, and mixed media. I am into subjects that are very important but not given the attention they deserve; for example, nature, mental health, and identity. I put out visuals which are playful and at the same time have a more in depth message. Also I am into the practice of what words and images can do together which I think is a very powerful form of communication. My style is influenced of artists like Ben Lewis Giles who I looked up to for his simple, very strong, and memorable ideas.

I have a desire to put into words what is often left unsaid. As for me, I am into emotions which pertain to relationships, personal growth, identity and memory. I draw a lot of my concepts from real life experiences, small moments, conversations, or feelings that we carry with us over time. I take these moments and turn them into visual forms which I hope others will connect with. My work does not aim to give answers but to help people feel that they are not alone.

My usual process begins with the pen. I put down ideas, phrases, short notes and then I develop visuals around that. Typography is a very important element in what I do, for function but also for design. I pay close attention to color, layout and composition which in turn I use to tie in with the feel I want the piece to have. I go for clean and simple designs which in turn make the message clear and to the point.

In my practice, I aim to form a link with my audience. I want people to pause, think, and see an aspect of their own life in what I present. Though the message may be very personal, I believe that emotions are universal which is what gives art its power. I set out to create work that is true, relatable and meaningful which also has the ability to inspire people to look at their own experiences. At the end of the day my art is about taking feelings and making them visible and shareable.

Biography 

Valentina Pena-Figueroa is an 24 year old Artist & Graphic Designer born in New Jersey. Raised by a Peruvian mom and a Bolivian dad. She is a junior currently studying for a BFA Painting & Drawing major at New Jersey City University. Her work focuses on digital design, which is mostly doing posters, flyers, logos, and image retouching, typography, drawing with graphite, color pencils, painting with gouache, oil, and mixed media design. She is a creator of very expressive works which look at issues of emotion, identity, cultural representation, personal experience and nature. From the everyday for her inspiration she takes what she does which in turn she puts into words and images to get across important issues in a very relatable and clear way. As an up and coming artist what she is very much into is putting out art that connects with people and which encourages them to reflect via simple yet powerful design.