Katiana Rodriguez (she/her) is a queer, Latinx artist from the Bronx. Her art focuses on a range of topics, from ancestry to the experience of growing up in New York City. Katiana enjoys discussing LGBTQ+ identity, spirituality, and body positivity. She find a lot of inspiration from street art and the bright pop culture palettes of the 1980’s. When Katiana is not creating art, she’s probably (re)watching Twilight, cooking Puerto Rican food, or spending time with her beautiful dog!
How did you arrive at the Brookline Arts Center? What sparked your interest in our organization?
I believe I first stumbled on the BAC on Instagram. I really enjoyed their programing and the emphasis on education. From there, I was always keeping up with the events and art calls that were posted. Now that I’m an Allston resident, it also helps to know what kind of art things are happening walking distance away.
Tell us about your background and interests, and how it relates to the BAC?
I am originally from the Bronx, NY, and came into Boston for my Illustration degree. Since then, I have worked in higher education and now at my current role in public television. Everywhere I go, my position has had a focus on diversity, inclusion, and education, and I feel like I have brought those things with me during my time so far as the curatorial resident.
What have you learned about yourself and/or the local art community since embarking on your artist journey?
I think one of my favorite things I have learned so far is how many different ways people can connect with the same artist or same art piece, and how many people are willing to help you make connections. It’s been wonderful to meet people as I get more involved in event planning and selling work in person, and even more wonderful when those small interactions turn into future projects or opportunities down the line. A beautiful thing about Boston is how much we emphasize supporting small businesses and creators, and I have felt that love very much during my short time in the city.
What has brought you the most joy as an artist?
Easily, it has to be when I am selling art at an event and I get to see how people react to the art I make. I have had so many wonderful conversations with people who share my cultural backgrounds, or are from New York themselves. It’s also so fun when the art can remind them of other people, and they purchase it knowing the print or sticker can bring a little bit of home to their loved ones.
What is your idea of fun?
I am usually having the most fun when I am surrounded by my communities, the queer community specifically. We are such a colorful, diverse, and welcoming group, and whenever I am able to be in queer majority spaces, my heart is so full! I also love to spend my time at museums, bookstores, or watching terrible reality tv and crocheting on my sofa.
What is “art” to you?
To me, art is an expression of our varied experiences of the universe. It’s a chance to show to the world what is happening internally, whether it be emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Art can be a means of storytelling, education, and a chance to find others who have similar happenings to yourself. Almost anything can be art, if we allow it to be. As an illustrator, my view of art could sometimes be quite traditional and rigid, but post graduation, I have met so many people who are artists just in their day to day existence, and I think that should be equally celebrated!
What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the art community?
As I was entering the art community, I would’ve loved for someone to tell me that opportunities, unfortunately, will not immediately fall at your feet. However, there are so many out there, they just take a little longer to find! When I was starting out, it took so long to find tabling fairs or curating opportunities that I was very discouraged. Just a year later, I have that many more connections within the community because I made sure to put myself out there any chance I could get! There will always be someone who loves and values what you do, they might just be a little harder to reach at first. Never give up, and if worse comes to worse, you create those chances for artistic expression yourself!
When you’re not at the BAC, where can people find you?
When I’m not at the BAC, I can be found all over the city selling art at different fairs. I am also online at boogiedownbaby.com and on Instagram @boogie.down.baby!
