Miami Beach, FL – April 8, 2016 – When most people think of art, many tend to categorize one into a specific genre. When it comes to Miguel Paredes, there is no defining him in any one distinct category. Miguel Paredes is an Artist who combines cutting-edge techniques of street art, pop and fine art to create his own genre of trend-forward pieces. Throughout the years, Paredes has drawn inspiration from icons such as Francis Bacon, Francesco Clemente, and his own mentor Ronnie Cutrone, Warhol’s immediate assistant at The Factory during the notorious artist’s most productive and prestigious years, to name a few. Paredes has undoubtedly created his own unique and explosive style. His combination of street graffiti, landscape, and pop art have propelled his crossover from street walls, during his days as a student at the prestigious Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music and Art in the ’80s, to becoming a highly regarded creator of fine decorative art, prized by collectors from around the world. Paredes continues to make his mark by further expanding his inspirational environment while simultaneously showcasing his works at local, national and international shows.

For the second installment of World Red Eye’s Artist Collaboration series, we spent the day with Paredes, who gave us an in-depth look into his home studio, his older and newer works, and how he comes up with all these unique ideas.

WRE: Was making art something you knew you wanted to do at an early age? Or did it just come naturally?

MP: I have been making art since I was in mothers womb. I was in every gifted NYC school program since Pre-K, and have been drawing since I can remember. I was a very quiet kid. Toys comics and drawing were my world.

WRE: Did you have any formal art training?

MP: I went to a school for music and art in New York City; eventually continued some classes at Wolfson campus. I’ve trained with master artist Paul Kus for almost seven years in New York City and Miami. Years later, I worked with Ronnie Cutrone about five years collaborating. I was also trained in oils and more realism with Hernan Miranda, then later on went to Korea where I trained with Artist Song Soo Ryun. I have been very blessed to have these mentors in my life who have helped shape me as an artist.

WRE: You are originally from New York and now living in Miami, how have these two cultures influenced your work?

MP: I paint what’s closest to my heart. You’ll find a variety of New York icons in my work all the time. Miami is where I had my kids, which in turn inspired me to dedicate three years to create a series titled Los Niños, where I placed my kids in present and past situations. Miami has a great energy to succeed all the time, at least for me. I love New York City and Los Angeles, but Miami is home. I’ve created some of my best work here.

WRE: Tell us about these characters you create. Where does the inspiration for them come from?

MP: Pulghas and Birds (Kosue & Yori), were originally created when my daughter was born in 2001. I had created a little flea that lived in the woods and fucked with all the other animals in the forest. Then, after this little amazing girl was born and my entire world became pinks, yellows, and baby blues. So, I started the PULGHA series and began painting florals.

When I’m on the canvas I feel like part of my soul is in that painting. It’s an amazing connection.

Miguel Paredes

WRE: How long does it usually take you to come up with new ideas? Where do you draw inspiration from? 

MP: I jump through each series like an alcoholic at the big easy. I’m finishing a series now of DC comic females; manga style. I think it’s pretty dope. Maybe it’s because I was at Comic-Con recently. My two boys Leo and Michael are really getting into comics now. Maybe I’m just showing off for them and their friends. The kids love to curate my works to their friends. Again, whatever is happening in my life at that time is what I like to put on canvas. It helps me tell my life story. If I put it all in an illustrated form, one day I think a lot of people will be able to remember that time or era when I was painting florals, urban renderings, and so on.

WRE: What medium is your favorite to work with? Why?

MP: I love working with oils. I really enjoy the textures and blends. Since oils take longer to dry, you get great subtle blends; especially when creating skin tones and portraits. Working with oils also teaches you to be patient, which is helpful because I’ve been told I like to jump the gun a lot. Oils have this depth and luminosity that kicks ass. It’s like butter!

I love all of my art; good or bad, sold or not. I paint for me, not for the critics.

Miguel Paredes

WRE: What message are you trying to communicate with your art?

MP: I don’t know it it’s exactly communication, but I’m definitely constantly challenging myself in different styles. I have been a business man my entire life. Finally, I have this incredible escape by painting and putting my thoughts at ease. When I’m on the canvas I feel like part of my soul is in that painting. It’s an amazing connection. I love all of my art; good or bad, sold or not. I paint for me, not for the critics.

WRE: When are you at your most creative?

MP: I am most creative when I’m excited about something; a new series, a new show, or something special in my life. I paint for 8 – 10 hours just about every time I’m in my studio, which is now at home. So, sometimes I’ll go 24 – 36 hours straight and I love it.

WRE: Can you expand a bit more on the relationship between Nature, Japanese animation, Graffiti, and Pop culture throughout your work? 

MP: I’m a child of pop culture. I grew up watching Batman, Ultraman, and The Green Hornet. I also hung out in Chinatown and Central Park, and would go tagging and bombing with different crews back in the 80’s. So, how else can one be so fucked up? I have also been collecting comic books and toys since an early age. It’s challenging because I’ve been told by some people what to paint in order to be better in my art career, and that I need to settle into one consistent style; not being so diversified. I say forget about it. I’m not changing shit. I’m painting Pink Pulghas one day, superheroes the next, and fucking Picasso’s tomorrow!

WRE: What was the best piece of advice you ever received in reference to your work?

MP: I’ve been told by many that my work can be very spiritual. Regardless of the subject matter, people connect with the paintings and that is important to me since I paint from my heart. I also love to see people smile when they look at my work.

WRE: What can we expect in the future in regards to your work?

MP: Same thing I do every night Pinky, try to take over the world!

WRE: Any current projects or events we can have readers get excited about?

MP: I am the headlining artist of the Secret Doors Street Art Show on Friday, April 8th, benefiting Art Cares For Kids. All other artists involved and I have created and donated pieces specifically for this show that will become a part of a coloring book to be donated for this amazing cause. The art pieces sold and coloring books donated will be used to take art projects to children stuck in bed going through chemo at Jackson Memorial, Holtz Miami Children’s, and Baptist hospitals. The event will be from 6-9 at the Wynwood Cafe/ Whearhouse Project 450 NW 27 Ave Miami FL 33127.