Meet Monique Rojas: Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monique Rojas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monique, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
With art, I have always been told that you need to plan things to a T. I find that a perfectly articulated plan sets me up for failure. I think I am going to create this masterful piece, but in the end, I made my expectations too high for the task at hand. When I go in without a plan I surprise myself with the colors and shapes I use and the final piece is usually something I could not fathom when I started.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
If you ask my mom, I was drawing before I could talk. I have several sketchbooks from early childhood where I imitated some of the work I have seen my parents do, They have always cultivated my love for art. I thought this meant I was made to be a graphic designer, Nobody ever talks about other art careers that can bring food to the table. After trying and failing at that pursuit I decided to abandon art with “meaning.” I ran across an Instagram account with the handle @Mack_Paints and was amazed at their expressionist work. Ever since, I have been exploring art solely through shape, texture, and color. There are days where I am hard on myself about my craft. I don’t think that ever goes away. However, I remind myself that if other more well-known artists can make build a portfolio of expressive blobs then so can I. People have always known me as The Jupitersuaurus, so it is nice to make art as Monique for a change,

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love showing my friends all that Atlanta has to offer. My favorite place to meet up is Piedmont Park. I always take my friends there after we grab some cute pastries and coffee from Sweet Hut in Midtown. If they are down for dinner, we visit the Vortex and grab a couple of beers, I think the most exciting place to check out is Little Five Points just to people watch. Sometimes there are great performances and interesting people who show up. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My life drawing instructor, Karl Kroeppler really gave me the motivation to explore art outside of realistic portraits. I had a course with him a few years ago and through his coaching, I created a still life portrait based on an online culture called “vaporware.” Another person I can credit as well is my 3-dimensional design instructor Wesley Harvey. He was one of the first instructors to give me the confidence to continue pursuing art. At the time I wanted to quit because I did not think I was good enough to make an impact.

Website: www.kofi.com/jupitersaurus

Instagram: @thejupitersaurus