Interview with Celeste De Luna
TAOB: Where were you born and what do you remember most about your childhood ?
Celeste: My father was born in Laredo, Tejas and my mom in Bluetown in the Valley. They both migrated to the Chicagoland area for work, met there, and fell in love. I was born in Aurora, Illinois, 40 miles southwest of Chicago. I grew up there until I was 8 years old, when we moved back to the Valle, which was the most memorable event of my childhood.
TAOB:Describe your art ?
Celeste: My art is community based artwork that validates Latino culture, but has universal themes like motherhood, globalization, and migration. It is American art.
TAOB: Why do you think art is important and how do you feel your art contributes to that purpose ?
Celeste: My art is important because I contribute to a dialogue about art, culture, and politics that needs my voice (along with others) in order to work.
TAOB: As an artist where do you think success comes from ?
Celeste: As an artist I think success comes from enjoying the process of creating art, which includes life experience.
TAOB: What is one of the struggles you think an artist faces on a daily basis ?
Celeste : An artist has to struggle with the fact that most of the time, nobody cares about their work, except themselves and the people they are closest to.
TAOB: What is your favorite type of music and what type of character would you say describes you ?
Celeste : My favorite music is Spanish rock like Mana or Ozomatli. I would describe myself as the hija of a pachucho, tradition is infused in my life, but I'm a tough cookie.
TAOB: As an artist what can you say you are afraid of ?
Celeste: As an artist I'm afraid of becoming egocentric.
TAOB:Tell us your view on any particular political issue local, state or federal, that is of importance to you?
Celeste : Just because Obama is now president does not mean everything is cool. It will take at least a decade and a lot of work to undo the damage that the Bush and Cheney adminstration did to our country.
TAOB:Do you believe in a community of artist to be beneficial, why or why not ?
Celeste: I've been around positive communities of artists and it is the most amazing thing in the world. The synergy is crazy! You feel good and can do more together. I try to stay away from artists with the scarcity mentality, as in only a few people can (and should be) on top.
TAOB:Besides family and art what else is important to you ?
Celeste : Having some interesting conversations, preferably with good food, and/or live music, and maybe a beer, or two.
TAOB:"Celeste de Luna many thanks for you time and quick response to this interview, I wish you the very best. "....
TAOB READERS... MORE INTERVIEWS TO COME.....Artist Interviews by Gabriel Trevino.
