Today we’re excited to be connecting with Andrew Cortez again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Andrew, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Andrew Cortez, artist, instructor, maybe human. I’m a visual arts instructor at Orange County School of the Arts and teach workshops at Catalyst studio in Westminster, CA, and occasionally a guest demonstrator for art clubs. My subject matter is portraiture, landscape and figurative works, using charcoal, gouache or oil. I participate in plein air events, art shows and art walks where I sell my work, more specifically, mini landscape gouache paintings. I’m currently working on a body of work for gallery representation.

Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
Since the last interview, a few years ago I think, I have stepped further into my teaching role in visual arts, working at a high school, instructing workshops and demonstrating at art clubs/leagues. I enjoy teaching very much. It is a rewarding experience and I’m lucky to be a part of young artists’ growth, as well as, connecting with artists and learning from them. Right now, I’m excited to just paint and draw, stretching my abilities and skills, getting better at expressing myself through my work. I have new goals I’d like to reach soon: gallery representation and teaching college courses.

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite Movie: Inside/Out, Paddington 2, Before Sunset, Silence of the Lambs, many more

Favorite Book: Great Expectations, You are a Badass, Daring Greatly

Favorite TV Show: Fleabag, Extras, Arrested Development, Bojack Horseman

Favorite Band or Artist: The Marias, Banks, Lake Street Dive, Bahamas, Melt

Sweet or Savory: Why not both?

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Vet/Doctor/Artist

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Pokemon

Favorite Childhood movie: Nightmare Before Christmas

Favorite Breakfast Food: All of it

Was there a moment in your career that you can tell us about that illustrates or demonstrates the kind of person you are, your approach, ethos, etc.
Being a kind person pays off in more ways than one. Working in retail/food service, you see the best and worst of human interaction (I’m exaggerating of course) and its not easy to keep a composed voice while dealing with a rude customer, but its the customer behind them that will remember you’re good nature and its about your coworkers that you’re protecting from having to interact with this person. People are people. They may not see your kindness or think of you as weak (of course have boundaries for yourself though), but if you genuinely encourage, acknowledge and see others’ talent, hard work, growth, that kindness will be returned. There have been many students by the end of the year write a thank you letter or express their gratitude that gives me a clue that I’m doing something right. The universe rewards good vibes, kind people recognize kind people, doors open up. And be kind to yourself. This is something that I have struggled with, and still do.

Website: https://andrewcortezart.com

Instagram: @andrewcortezart

Image Credits
Headshot credit: Jhovany Quiroz

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