Check Out Joaquin Soto’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joaquin Soto.  

Hi Joaquin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started as a sculptor 10 years ago and have been part of multiple art shows and competitions over the years. I was trained by international sculptor Dotun Popoola. He spent 2 weeks in my studio in 2019 and introduced me to style synergetic metal sculpture. An art style of giving an object life through scrap metal. In the last 4 years, I have been traveling between Texas and Michigan, working on my art. My wife, Sarah, is from Michigan, and during the summers, we stay in Durand, MI. That’s where I recharge and plan out my nexts artworks. Do to my connection with Michigan, I’m now taking part in this year’s Scrapfest metal competition. A competition that puts metal artist to the ultimate test of constructing a piece within a month from metal we collect from Friedland Industries scrapyard in Lansing. The art festival will take place July 14-15 in old town Lansing. People will be able to check out my work I completed with a team of artists, as well as all the 30 other metal sculptures. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey was never easy. I struggled in the beginning to get things off the ground. I had to build my own art studio, as well as equip my own tools and equipment. It’s been a slow process of growth as well as a big financial investment. The biggest hurdle was convincing a gallery to take a chance on me give me an opportunity show my work. I was fortunate enough to have a gallery in Grand Prairie, TX, give me that chance. They gave me an opportunity to have a solo show, from that moment, many opportunities and connections have flourished. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a metal artist that specializes in welded art. I’m known for creating works of art that are made from scrap metal. I’m most proud of being an artist that shows topic of my Mexican/native culture. My works have deep historical and cultural meanings that sets me apart from other metal artist. I strive to make my work have deep meanings instead of just making something “pretty.” Substance and meaning are more important as they make the viewer think and learn from the work of art. 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I was lucky enough to have a well know. Mentor and friend. Dotun Popoola has been influential in keeping me focus and checking up on me from time to time. He’s the one that pushed me to have a solo art show and keep creating. He will be in Lansing, Michigan, this summer checking out all the Scrapfest artwork July 14-15. My advice in finding a mentor is to talk to as many artists in person or message them on social media. Networking is key as an artist. Many artist will be so willing to chat and lend some advice. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Joaquinsotosculpture.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soto.sculpture.studio/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090675195555