An Inspired Chat with Angelica Ahumada DeJesus of NKC

We recently had the chance to connect with Angelica Ahumada DeJesus and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Angelica, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am proud of the family that I am building with my husband. We do not share our kids online nor our personal lives really. So many people I come into contact with in the art world or in that area of my life have no clue that I am a mom. But a good mom is the most important thing in my life. It’s what I am most proud of.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a local first generation, Mexican American who is a self taught, multi-medium Artist in Kansas City. My main mediums are acrylic paints and card stock paper. Over the past few years, I have worked to create my contemporary geometric style that I use to express the beauty in individuality. That is the focus point in my artistic practice as well as art that incorporates my culture/heritage and my experience as a woman.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband is the one who truly sees me for who I am. He is the one who supported me and encouraged me to take my art more seriously. To push myself and grow to be the artist I have always wanted to be. I will forever be thankful for his push in this direction.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would go back and tell myself that I grew up to be the person I always wanted to be. I am what I thought I never could be. If I could I would take the time to tell her all about my art, the galleries I’ve show in, the beautiful loving family I’ve built and that we created a public art piece that was displayed in the area we grew up in. I think telling her what she has to look forward to is the kindest thing I could say to her.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no. Now hear me out on this. I am always 100% real and honest about who I am and what I think. BUT I have imposter syndrome. So yes, I am me when I’m at an event or show but I am always nervous and in shock. Yes I know I make art, yes I am an artist and I’m probably walking into my own showing yet I still have a hard time believing I am an artist. Which results in me be a bit off and at the same time still myself.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Oh absolutely. It took me by surprise but it was when I sold my first painting. I was so ecstatic at first and couldn’t believe someone wanted to buy my work. I felt it proved that I was a true artist. Then when it came time to ship the painting to the buyer I froze. I had a hard time letting go of my work. I didn’t want to. This feeling caught me off guard and it’s one that returns from time to time. There’s just some pieces that are harder to let go of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://angelicadejesus.bigcartel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelica__dejesus/posts/?l=1&hl=en