With the internet being so easy to access, it has become easier for independent artists to find an audience and let their work be known. As a result, a variety of movements, collectives, and scenes have found a way to pave their path. The independent art scene in Puerto Rico is no different. Recently, many artists from a variety of disciplines have found platforms that have made it easier for them to share their work. In addition, small businesses such as Electroshock in Santurce and Rio Piedras, bars like Off The Wall in Mayaguez, book stores like La Casita Books and Gifts in Aguadilla, Libros AC in Santurce and Libros 787 online, and independent festivals like Feria de Libros Independientes y Alternativos and Tintero: Festival de Cómics y Arte Independiente de Puerto Rico have provided up-and-coming artists a space to display their talents. “Puerto Rican Women Killing It in the Independent Art Scene” is a series of interviews that provides a glimpse at some of the women who have recently gained recognition in the art scene. Though the artists are asked similar questions, some are asked queries surrounding their work, specifically.
Rachel Smith Sepúlveda intervenes public spaces with art and makes temporary tattoos.
What got you into muralism and henna art?
The fascinating experience of getting something done by a complete stranger and how this transforms into bonding with other people in a very exotic environment has consumed my interest. In addition, because of how I developed as a muralist and a painter on big format projects and saw how art can change communities, I started considering henna as a way of changing individuals.
How did you develop your style?
Through practice and time, I started evolving in many fields by studying communities and interacting with other cultures and how art can change the interaction of a community in a space. This I use to adapt it to our Caribbean culture.
How has it evolved through the years?
My participation in public spaces with muralism has grown, leading me to new opportunities to keep promoting arts in different areas. I also have started to grow this henna tattooing practice on the southern part of the island and have started school workshops to promote creativity.
What are some of your influences and inspirations?
I get my inspiration from organic patterns and unpredictable lines working as storytellers. This practice I’ve seen in many fields from Javier Senosiain in architecture to Bruce Riley in his unpredictable patterns on his resin paintings as well as in Basquiat’s Neo expressionism and daring socio-political paintings.
Is there any other form of art you wish to pursue? If so, what field and why?
There is always something new to learn. I would love to grow in the fields of digital arts and sculpting.
What do you think about the current state of the arts in Puerto Rico?
It has been monopolized and concentrated in the metro area. It’s time to open the doors to new fresh and talented artists around the Island because Puerto Rico has a lot of creativity all around ready to be seen by the rest of the world.
What do you think about the current state of the independent scene in Puerto Rico?
It is very complicated because of many facts that are currently strangling the economic situation in the island, being some of those factors the corruption and the lack of international trading opportunities due to the current Jones act. As artists, we have to use our power to educate since the government is currently not making any effective efforts to better education. This is why the more we promote arts, the better Puerto Rico can be.
If a young girl came up to you and said she wanted to be an artist, what would be your advice for her?
Whenever you feel you can’t, just imagine you have already done it.
What is your biggest goal right now?
Promote arts outside the metro area and create a big network for arts in Puerto Rico.
What do you seek to achieve with work?
The betterment of communities and the increase of chances for emerging artists around the island.