Tell us a bit about yourself, your art, and your background
My name is Daniel Garcia or Tovst as my artist name. I was born and raised in Blue Island, IL which is where my love for graffiti art came from. As a first generation Mexican-American Illustrator in the US, I’ve experienced humbling moments as well as inspirational times. I am thankful for my parents who made the journey from Michoacán, Mexico to where we are now, I couldn’t have done it without them. My art style includes a combination of graffiti, cultural, urban, and cartoon characters that aim to spread love and to remind individuals to have fun. I work in mixed media which includes digital, canvas, wall, and skateboards.
What brought you to Columbia?
Honestly the beautiful artwork from past alumni that was displayed on the windows is what really got me. As a skateboarder who would frequently visit Chicago, I would stop by Columbia and take a moment to appreciate the work.
What initially inspired you to apply for the Library Artist in Residence Position?
Besides the occasional 12 people at home while I’m trying to focus on school work, the awesome resources and faculty who really care is what motivated me to apply. Being able to access books easier has helped with assignments as well as has helped my journey as a creative develop further. Not only that, but the space alone helps me get into a professional mindset. Thank you Jen and Columbia Library for this opportunity.
How does your arts practice benefit from library collections, services, and/or equipment?
Honestly my art style is blossoming into something brand new the more I work, and it’s definitely for the better. Being in the library is truly heavenly, the inspiration and knowledge from these books is everything. Having been selected for this opportunity I’ve also found myself in the city a little bit more frequently since I commute from two hours away. Thanks to this I’ve found networking and talking about my art get easier.
What do you hope to gain from your Residency in the Library this coming year?
I would love to connect with the community here even more than I already have, but meeting other students from my campus is the primary goal, each individual is special and carries their own story. Just networking and getting to hear other individuals’ creative process is what I hope to gain.
What do you hope to give back to the Columbia College Chicago community in your role as an Artist-in-Residence?
If I could push and/or influence any individual to get outside of their comfort zone and shoot for the stars I would feel complete. Learning about others and their own process is what has helped me strive to be the creative I am today. This along with reminding students to trust in their own process and embracing all the small setbacks that come with it. Try new skills and then apply them to what you love and what you know.
What are your current and future personal projects? What should we look forward to from you next?
I actually have an upcoming shared art show at Grano Panaderia y Cafe, Chicago. March 29th, Saturday 12pm-5pm 1845 W 47th St. I will be presenting a new canvas painting, if the date has passed however my artwork gets displayed on IG: Artbytovst. I am also looking for my 3rd Mural design this year so that will be in the works soon! Thank you!
Contact:
Artbytovst@gmail.com
IG: Artbytovst
www.artbytovst.com
