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

Hi Shirish, why did you pursue a creative career?
The desire to create is a part of me as a person and it has been that way since my youth. I attended college to pursue a career in costume design but was discouraged when I found myself in financial hardship following that path. I continued to create artwork privately as a means of self reflection and expression. Time waiting in the 2020 pandemic gave me a chance to reevaluate what is important to me, and was the motivation I needed to focus on achieving my goals in art.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Art is my main form of communication. It is a tool for self awareness. Personal fears as a youth have now created a stronger me. It empowers me to share my stories in hopes to pass this positivity through art, muralism or as a teaching artist. I have had a long road of overcoming fears with heights and public speaking, as well as doubts in my own self worth, but those flaws now give me purpose to create more. Arts healing properties give me the ability to share this knowledge with others, to let them know it is okay to be scared, but to keep the persistence of overcoming life challenges through art. The level of appreciation that comes from overcoming obstacles has made my own accomplishments feel surreal. When I look back at a completed project, I remember the years of setbacks which have lead me to my current reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One main stop would be a walking tour of Logan Ave to take in the culture that is Chicano Park. Begin with a quick bite to eat at Las Cuatro Milpas, and walk south towards the pillars. A few stops would be imperative; such as Luna Bloom for her amazing Jewelry, Sew Loka for her apparel, Mal Bicho Collective for their monthly art displays, and Miss Loverling for her oddities, but normally this walk will lead me to get coffee at Por Vida followed by checking out studios from amazing local artists.

As an appropriate San Diego Native, we would need to visit some of Southern California’s great local hikes such as Elfin Forest or Cedar Creek Falls. Nature plays such a large motivator in art and wellbeing, so it is always wonderful to take a stroll. When it comes to hiking just know that “slow and steady wins the race” so bring snacks, and  give yourself enough time to enjoy the moments of relaxation to take in the beauty.

My visitors would also be taken on a mural tour of the local public murals I have been  able to assist in creating such as ‘The Secret Stairs of Valencia Park’ and to my hometown of Chula Vista to show them La Bella’s Pizza mural project, that was made possible in part by the City of Chula Vista and the Create Chula Vista Arts Grant. While we are there I would need to order a mushroom and jalapeño pizza from the historic pizzeria.


The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
One of the biggest support systems has been a result of working in hospitality at the Hilton. My fellow teammates encouraged me to do more, and it has been an honor and blessing to work alongside so many wonderful people who have helped me grow as an artist, and as a person. Many of my coworkers saw my potential as a creative before I saw it in myself, and as I learn to face my fears and move towards my passion it has been motivational working with such an amazing team. They gave me my first opportunity to experience public art in 2018 creating window displays for San Diego Comic Con. Stay tuned because I am very excited to share this year’s themes at Sweet Things and Starbucks.

Website: Shirishvillasenorart.com

Instagram: Shirishtheartist

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