Violet Red

About the Artist

My name is Violeta Barcenas. I am a Self-taught Nicaraguan mixed media artist and illustrator. I try to combine colors, patterns, and words to create pieces that inspire and bring joy. Violet Red is my dream.  I started painting when I was a little kid. My mom is a Watercolorist, so I grew up with a lot of art supplies and motivation. However, when it was time for college I went all in for Advertising, I wasn't confident enough that one could make a living as an artist. I guess we could say I Chickened-out of The Artist Life. Many many years later,  I was in my thirties and got diagnosed with breast cancer, so it was either courage or courage. I started painting to cope. Got supplies and it all came rushing in. At that time I promised myself that if I survived it was going to be on my terms! With a long recovery ahead I turned focused on art, I wasn't good at first, but good enough to keep going (Or so I told myself). This is who I was choosing to be. This is who I am: an artist... The 8 year old inside me was jumping! Why does one need to face death to deep dive into self-discovery? I don't know! But art saved me. I drew and painted for myself inspired by all things positive. A sort of affirmation for my everyday in art form. That's why my artwork is all about positive art. Then orders started rolling in, slooooowly and from then, after my Chemo, I realized this was something I could do. I decided to open a store in my hometown. That is the peak of my courageousness! The rush of life running through me. I was on fire at 36.    For political reasons we had to leave the country, the store, the family. We had to start over again. However, nothing was gonna stop me. Fortunately, the internet was filled with new opportunities and I kept my clients and opened a little online shop. We moved around so much it was difficult to keep it going. We lived in Bolivia, in Honduras, in Panama, in Mexico, until finally we ended up in the DMV Area. I was a little discouraged to start over, but then my team stepped in! My husband and two daughters pushed me to get a license and start my business here...and then, in 2017 Violet Red Studio was born. I WORK IN: I do a lot of mixed media. I love ink and the versatility acrylics give me. However, recently (about 8 years ago) I discovered Procreate and Tayasui Sketches, drawing and painting apps you can use on an iPad. For a traveler like me, that is great news. It was hard! learning and re-learning but I am so happy I took the time because now  I enjoy working digital as much as analogue.   I AM KNOWN For: (At least I think...) The Iconic Women Collection While living in Ciudad de Mexico, I was really inspired by Frida, and in 2016 The Iconic Women Series was born with a quirky portrait I did of Frida for my youngest daughter's bedroom. The project scaled really quickly as my two daughters got involved and started learning with me about amazing women in history. In Latin America, we have the "Sobre-mesa" Just chitchat after dinner "hanging out at the table". At that time, all sobremesa was spent talking about women! I loved it. everyone got passionate about it. So, now in 2017, the collection has 87 portraits.  

Artist's Statement

Always preoccupied with the same topic. How are we connected. It has been a mayor influence in most of my work as a painter and it has migrated also into my illustrations. My only option is to continue to explore it. I am hoping the exploration is worthwhile.