Date Posted: March 19, 2026
Meet Felipe: ink, dry media, and multimedia artist. As a graduate from UMass Lowell and passionate contributor to nonprofits, Felipe’s enthusiasm shines through in our most recent conversation about what drives an artist!
1) How did you get started as an artist?
This is an interesting question. I believe people can change; nonetheless, we are born with certain predispositions. I have been an artist since I have been able to reason, with many adventures and scars to prove it… “Living to tell the tale,” as they say, though that’s a story that my artwork tends to unveil.
2) When looking at your artistic career so far, what are you the most proud of?
A few years ago, a nonprofit called Peace Works put together an exhibition in Stockholm titled “Colombia Sur en tiempos de guerra.” I joined other Colombian multimedia artists to collectively submit art, bringing attention to violence against oppressed Colombian children. This was especially near to my heart since part of my family is originally from Colombia. Many years later, I still contribute to the cause by donating work to NEACOL (New England Association for Colombian Children).
3) What tips or resources do you have for aspiring artists in your field?
Art has many advantages, but let me tell you about one of them:
Art can be carried in a pocket, a sketchbook, or a phone to take photos with. So, if you are going to go all in, you need to dream it and breathe it… carry it with you… thrive on events that fire up your ideas… and do not be motivated by money. Van Gogh wasn’t, and we all know how many hearts and many more to come will be touched by his art. So if money is your motivation, there’s other ways to go about that… but let me assure you that many people are wishing they had your gift. Acknowledge it and do not compare yourself to others, but do study the masters and classics (there is a reason why they are timeless) and enjoy yourself… After all, as far as we know, we are only alive once… So what is the passion that you are waiting to ignite?
4) What do you hope to accomplish in your career?
Maybe I already have…
All kidding aside—Do you remember the things you used to wish for, and now they are real…?
“Enough” is a great thing to accomplish. But in appropriated words, “some enoughs are more equal than others.”
5) Social Media:
Know someone who deserves a spotlight?
Email us at info@mosaiclowell.org! Mosaic Lowell posts Community Spotlights with the goal of highlighting artists, crafters, performers, supportive patrons, creative businesses and vendors in the Lowell community. Community Spotlights are posted on Mosaic Lowell’s blog, newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram.