The Juxtaposition of Judah Pimental

Judah Pimentel is a creator of many facets. With the artistic flare for countless mediums, he is somewhat of a creative chameleon— blending flawlessly into any unique fabricated form.

As Judah shares, “Painting and Drawing are well-known mediums, but I also do my own photography, photo-manipulation, music production, poetry/story/song-writing, sculpting, up-cycled doll customization, makeup, hair, and videography. I wouldn’t say I’m amazing at all of the above, but I’m happy to say I do everything and not needing of help when I have an idea.” Utilizing his journal and time management skills, Judah is able to keep all of his undertakings organized for production.

Sharing with the community his versatile styles of art, Judah tutors the youth with his business Elysium Star Art, which he founded two years ago in 2021. He teaches a unique combination of Surrealism and portraiture with a emphasis on color theory, portrait drawing, and creative thinking.

For Judah art is a spiritual practice, often translating his emotions and psyche onto the canvass for people to resonate with.

Hey Judah, give the readers some insight on who you are.

I’m ageless, and the majority of my family is from Mexico. I enjoy creating visual arts, making music, studying history/ cultures/religion, nature walks, animals, and collecting dolls. My biggest accomplishment is that I’m able to work as an artist full-time. A lot of creators struggle to find art-related work, and I happened to be blessed by my community and God with four jobs relating to my passions. Lastly, the only show I’ve ever been drawn to binge-watching is Wednesday.

It’s something everyone has with its individualities, but we are discouraged from exercising it. I have great knowledge of who I am, and so it’s easy to create if I’m best friends with my mind and the artist who created me.

Looking at your Instagram you partake in many forms of creativity, what are all the mediums of art and creativity you do?

not an emotional catfish. When you see my art, you’re seeing me.”

Your creativity is off the charts, what sparked your creative genius?

My spirituality, I believe imagination is installed into our brains as a gift from God to hear them and find ourselves as well.

Painting and Drawing is a well-known mediums, but I also do my own photography, photo-manipulation, music production, poetry/ story/song-writing, sculpting, up-cycled doll customization, makeup, hair, and videography. I wouldn’t say I’m amazing at all of the above, but I’m happy to say I do everything and not needing of help when I have an idea.

What medium of art/creativity are you passionate about the most?

I can’t prioritize any of them, I think they’re all valued equally. I do get excited for painting and photoshoots the most.

Are you planning on learning any new styles in the future? If so, what style(s)?

I’m always learning, and learning just happens from experiencing life. I can’t pinpoint anything I want to learn.

What prompts you to create a new piece or new look (appearance)? What does that creative process look like?

Everything starts with a daydream or vision. I sketch it out quickly into my journals, writing any important details and how to create the idea. After the sketch, I plan a day to create. I always have to have a plan with my pieces and know exactly what’s going to happen. Otherwise, things go terribly wrong! However, sometimes spontaneity is okay.

Outside of art/creativity, what else holds significance in your life?

Human connection. I feel life is pointless if I’m not reaching out to people, spending time with those I enjoy, and being an outlet of compassion for anyone who needs it (with some boundaries haha). We are community creatures, so as much as I like to hide in my room and paint, I feel numb if I can’t share emotions and life with others.

What’s something that you feel people should know about you, that ultimately influences your art?

My art is like a spiritual mirror to me, it’s a reflection of my thoughts, what I’m attracted to, my feelings, and my imagination. If you like my art, my art is me, meaning you’ll probably resonate with me as well. I don’t create work that’s just decorative, people-pleasing, or not personal. I’m not an emotional catfish. When you see my art, you’re seeing me.

How do you take care of your mental health when you start to feel burned out?

I don’t.

What has been your proudest accomplishment in your creative journey?

An accomplishment is that I kept going in the hardest times. When I was discouraged, and had voices saying to be realistic with life, I kept going and kept putting myself out there. I told myself “someone will hear me”, and I was blessed to find communities where I was finally seen. My proudest accomplishment is that I’m painting, creating, and networking regardless of the scenario.

As an art tutor, what’s the most important advice you tend to give to students?

Don’t bully yourself. Too many young artists get discouraged easily by artists with more experience, or they get made fun of for using their imagination. We are our worst critics. But I tell students to realize that every piece, stroke, and sketch is valid and a step closer to what they hope to see in their work. I encourage them to keep going and not be judgmental towards the process!

What underlying message do you seek to express with your art?

I don’t feel like I have any discreet/DL messages in my art. I feel like my work has a lot of symbolism, but it’s not a secret, just longer to find.

What is your mantra for 2023?

“I’ll try my best and that’s the best anyone can do”

How can people support you?

Add my socials @judahxpimentel, @elysiumsstarart Purchase art! If you’re another creative, I’m always looking for collabs regarding photoshoots, music, etc. Talk about me if you like me.

Thought So” 2023

(pictured right)

“Pearl Queen” 2021 (pictured left)

“Key to the Chains Everywhere”

2023 (pictured above)

The Pearl Queen: no one knows her origin, why she’s made of pearl, so they criticize her and belittle her out of their own insecurities. Yet she stands so still and boldly, as they throw pebbles and pearls with their harassing words. ‘Pearl heads aren’t natural’ ‘God hates the Pearl people’ but she knows God and he created her carefully.

So much of us focus our lives trying to be the social, financial, beauty, and other cultural standards wherever we are. We become enslaved to toxic theology, gender norms, discrimination and hierarchy. Our hearts are chained onto the earths standards, but our standards should be out of this world. Earth is our home but not where we should get our knowledge. The knowledge we should seek is implanted inside us, our spirituality, our intuition, and our imagination.