Featured Artist: Mireya Quiroz

We are so excited to feature artist Mireya Quiroz! Mireya Quiroz is a Tucson-based illustrator, who captivates the heart with her surrealist themes explored through meticulous detail, which draws from the artist’s broad range of influences to create consistently immersive visual experiences.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona.

What got you started making art?

Animation was a really prominent part of my childhood (and my adulthood of course) I realized I wanted to learn how to doodle like some of my favorite show runners (like JG Quintel for example!)

What’s your artistic background? (experience, education, etc.)

I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to create through my entire life (I like to joke that the doctor found a sketchbook with me when they did an ultrasound.) I realized art was something I wanted to pursue when I was about 11 and was teaching myself how to draw through anime and pictures of 1950’s pin up women. Through my teen years I was interested in pursuing storyboard animation for television but ultimately considered different paths like Architecture, and Archaeology. Eventually when I was in community college, I was browsing in one of my favorite libraries and I found a Fiorucci book and that right there led me to the decision that I was going to pursue Graphic Design. During that time period I also started teaching a middle school art class when I was 19 which actually helped strengthen my patience and communication skills that I would apply with clients in later years. I eventually went on to the U of A where I took about only one illustration class where David Christiana pretty much changed my whole artistic style over night when he said “add shading” to my art (which so far has become the staple of my artwork.) Unfortunately, that same semester the pandemic started and although it led to a lot of hard moments it still led to me creating some pieces I consider to be important. Eventually about a year or two later a friend had told me about a local non profit that was looking for local muralists. What turned into me creating my first mural, and being apart of my first art opening led to about three years (and counting) of volunteering with the local nonprofit Groundworks. From creating the three murals that are still above the doors in the Groundworks lobby, creating two unique solo shows, a zine, and so much more I met so many wonderful artists, musicians, and friends in the Tucson scene who continue to inspire me. Groundworks gave me the courage back in 2022 to write a grant to the Arizona Commission on the Arts and create my surrealist coloring book Egg Polish. Since that time period I’ve had my art in different parts of the U.S. and had my art in my first international gallery show. I’ve started participating in more local art markets again this past year but am gearing up to finish some paintings, and start hopefully working on a project that’s a pretty big step for me (if it goes through.)

Who or what are your biggest artists’ influences?

I have a lot of art influences that I mostly just mentally modge podge together. Baroque art, portrait photography, 1987 hit blue monday by new order, Vinyl packaging, 90s / 2000’s Couture Fashion, 70s punk, The Nihilists, Old crotchety people who hate everything, Impractical clothing, black coffee, weird lines on my walls, I’m sure the list could go on forever.

Where do you get your inspiration for you art?

Some of my biggest art inspiration comes from movies and music. As an artist, I believe we can learn a lot from different mediums outside of just traditional artwork.

What brought you to BICAS?

Technically my parents. Many moons ago, my dad would bring my sister and I by a yellow and purple bike trailer because we grew up in the same area where the original BICAS location was!

How has BICAS affected you?

BICAS has provided a great space for my friends and loved ones throughout the years! I also learned what a high wheel bike is from someone who rode one at the old space (not important, but left a lasting impression.)

Why did you work with BICAS at Art Mart?

The last event I worked with BICAS at was the BICAS Art Mart on March 24th 2024. I decided to participate in the event because I saw how great of an opportunity working with BICAS was for artists.

Check out her Instagram and website for more of her work, and catch her at BICAS Art Mart at Dark!

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