Introduction
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became interested in capturing places and illustrations through Look See Draw?
I am born and raised in Phoenix. My parents immigrated to Phoenix in the early 90’s and always tell me stories of how the city has changed. My dad has excellent memory and likes to point out spots that where built over and what used to be there. I started to draw my second year of college and got more serious about it when I returned to Phoenix. (Studied in Chattanooga, TN) I started to be interested in drawing Phoenix in 2019 and made an Instagram account to document the places drawn.
What inspired you to start Look See Draw, and what does the name represent for you?
I started this account in 2019 and was searching for a name. With drawing, you learn to see things a bit more deeply and how shapes and things relate to one another. Ever since I started drawing, I feel as though I see and notice things more than before. The name came to me and I thought it was fitting, simple and fun.
Where and what are some favorite memories biking with your son?
I purchased a vintage Kermit stuffed animal a couple of years ago at a thrift store for $5. Such a fun find! I started taking him around on my trips and bike rides. Eventually, I began calling him my son as a joke and it’s been fun to do so. Jef and I went to Critical Mass in Chicago and he was in my basket during the ride. So fun to get comments and a couple in Seattle asked to take a picture with him at Pike Place Market.
Urban Visions and Creative Spaces
You have traveled to many cities across different countries, what aspects of those cities would you love to see in your own city?
The biggest thing would have to be accessibility to walking around and transit. I wish I didn’t have to rely on my car so much! I greatly enjoy biking and walking around to places but it’s not possible to do so often here because of where I live and don’t feel safe biking in certain areas of town. I can easily clock in 10+ miles daily when I travel, but feel I have to work hard to do so here in Phoenix.
Your drawings are amazing. Do you think there’s a correlation between the places you draw in cities and the places people want to be?
Yes and no. Some of the drawings I create are of third spaces like Hance Park or local coffee shops. I feel these are places that draw people in because they are inviting and community-centered. I also do a lot of historical buildings, which tend to be more focused on exteriors and aren’t really places where people can hang out. So, it’s about 50/50! I also really enjoy drawing places that have a lot of details.
Third spaces are typically seen as places separate from home and work. However, in your case, a third space also serves as a place for you to work and sell your art. What attracts you to a third space, and what do you look for? Do you attribute third spaces to your success as an artist?
I attribute a good amount of my success to third spaces. Without these places, I wouldn’t have the places for my drawings. It’s wonderful to see people connecting with the artwork. People have first dates or meaningful memories in a space, and as an artist, I get to recreate that nostalgic feeling for them. I also love making connections by popping up at local coffee shops or similar third spaces. I don’t have a studio—though I’d love to have one someday—but these third spaces give me a place to work on my art.
Rapid Fire
Bus or Train
Train
Favorite city outside your own?
My family’s ranch in Sonora, Mexico and Kyoto, Japan
Favorite local event?
Phoestivus and Phoenix Flea
Favorite Look See Draw drawing you created?
Grand Ave
Best spot in your city for drawing outdoors?
A tall rooftop patio that overlooks the city! No specific one in mind
Capturing Community Through art
Your work often seems to reflect a deep connection with the community. How do you engage with your local community through your art, and what impact do you hope to have?
I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many local business owners and community members. I used to be more reserved with my art and my community involvement. Younger me had a different understanding of community—I thought it was limited to my neighbors or people close by. I’ve since learned that community can extend far beyond that, it can include someone across the world or people who share similar interests. Part of my impact I would like to have, especially here in Phoenix, is to memorialize places for people to remember.
How do you think the act of drawing or creating art in public spaces affects people’s perception of those spaces? Do you feel it makes them more approachable or engaging?
I think so! I had a funny experience at Phoestivus. Someone was spending a while looking at one of my drawings, clearly captivated. They said, ‘I always see drawings of Paris or New York City, but I’ve never seen anyone capture Phoenix like this.’ I thought it was neat because Phoenix is a fun place to be—though I might be biased, since I was born and raised here. I have a great love for the city. It’s not perfect, but I enjoy drawing the places people love, which makes it fun for me.
Community engagement is often a key part of urban planning and development. Have you ever collaborated with local organizations or residents to create art that reflects their vision or experiences?
About two years ago, Chispa AZ hired me to draw a complete street on Central Avenue. I had to look up and learn what a ‘complete street’ was because I’d never heard the term before. It was fun learning about it, though it was a bit challenging because I usually take a literal approach in my drawings—capturing exactly what I see rather than imagining elements. It was exciting to push myself as an artist to draw based on specific design elements. They ended up using the piece for swag and merch as part of a campaign they were running which was awesome!
Urbanism and art
Cites are criticized for being too focused on cars and not enough on people. Do you think your art helps to highlight the importance of human-centered design in cities?
Yes, because I tend to draw buildings where people gather, as well as local places like coffee shops or restaurants. My drawings often highlight places people want to visit and remember because they feel more human and connected to them.
The concept of ‘placemaking’ is element of urbanism. How do you think art contributes to placemaking, and can you share an example where you’ve seen this in action?
Civic Space Park is a great example! A biking group I join, called Downtempo, meets there weekly under an art sculpture. I think the art pieces help create a sense of place and identity, making it easier for the community to identify a landmark in their city.
Public art can sometimes become a landmark in itself, shaping the way a city is perceived. Do you aspire for your work to have that kind of influence, and what do you think makes a piece of public art truly iconic?
There are so many different mediums you can use for art, but one of my favorites is murals. I love a good mural, and it’s something I hope to grow into as an artist. I especially love the little details in murals, like the tiny critters hidden within them!
Drawing to conclusions
If you had the opportunity to collaborate on a project to transform a city space, what kind of project would you choose, and what role would you like your art to play in it?
I would love to work on a public mural! It’s an idea I’ve had for a while. Honestly have not pursued it since I feel intimidated!
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring artists who want to make a difference in their communities, what would it be?
Make connections with other artists in your area. It may seem overwhelming, but start by visiting spaces where others tend to frequent such as art markets, art events, etc. There may be lots of opportunities available for you to do more with your art. A lot of times we are the ones that are stopping ourselves and we have to learn to ask more.
Finally, what’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or ideas that you’re particularly excited to dive into? Plug anything in here!
Currently working on my 2025 Look See Draw calendar that I release yearly. This is the 5th one in the making and always a big project that takes me a year to complete. I also have lots of fun holiday markets coming up. The first bigger one of the season is Grand Ave Fest on November 9.
