Ricardo ‘Rix’ Cerezo
Artist

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
I am a visual designer and web developer, based in Glendale and originally born in Panama. Some years ago I had the opportunity to try to expose my art in public areas and I am so glad I did – it has been an exciting adventure. I have painted about 30 murals, including several utility boxes in greater Los Angeles (including Burbank), San Francisco, Mexico and a series in my alma mater: The Technological University of Panama. Currently, I work as a designer and multimedia producer in a web studio in Los Angeles. I have studied at UCLA, Los Angeles College of Figurative Arts, and Art Center College of Design.

How did you first become interested in art?
As a child, I was known for being good at drawing. While studying at college for a technical career, my first job was in the creative department of a fashion company in Panama. I discovered I could use my artistic talent to support my studies. Today my passion is to develop new murals to bring my art to the public.

What inspires you creatively in general? What inspired the piece of art you painted for the Burbank Veterans of Foreign Wars?
Every project brings a different challenge. When I was invited to propose a piece for the VFW, I understood they wanted to bring the hall to the attention of the community because sometimes the place was missed. I brought a visual solution that is easy to recognize and combined the emblems that represent the values of the veterans. Personally, I had good friends who were war veterans. Although they recently passed, I thought about them when painting this mural for VFW and know they would be proud.  Also, I became an American citizen four years ago, and was delighted to be able to present a patriotic theme.

How does art enrich a community, and what are some ways people can engage with art in Burbank?
The City of Burbank is always active in the art and entertainment field, encouraging artists and allowing them to participate in different projects. A community – and a culture – are barren without art.  I invite people to get involved, and stay attuned with the Art and Culture call to artists. I am also open to mentoring potential artists. For this project, I invited a couple of friends (Bryan Martinez, graffiti artist and Hector Vidales, house painter) to collaborate in order to gain first-hand experience that would help prepare them to develop their own projects later.

If you could share with our community one thing about art, what would it be?
Be emotional and connect with your art and people. I have found that each project is like an adventure and if you put forward your best, you get a big reward of satisfaction.

To find out more about Ricardo and his work, visit his website rixcerezo.com  or follow him on Instagram @rixcerezo.