JINGO JINGO DE LA ROSA
Jingo de la Rosa, as an artist, is all about growth, change, and failure. “Allowing myself to play means that I also allow myself to make mistakes, which is a very necessary learning tool,” says de la Rosa. His sketchbook is often where he allows himself to experiment, and even wrestle with bigger concepts, like human connection and place. “I’m excited about exploring what the concept of home means to me,” says de la Rosa. “I grew up in the Philippines, and moving to the United States has altered that concept again and again. Recently, I had this sudden fascination with small towns in Indiana. It’s totally different than what I grew up with, but in a weird way, it’s part of who I am now as a person. I’m fully convinced that Indiana is now my home, and I’d love to explore that further through my work.” One of the ways he actively addresses his connection to a physical space is by taking his sketchbook and drawing in coffee shops around the city. For him, it’s a break from his
home and studio at the Harrison Center — even though he notes that the energy of that building often feeds into his artwork. “[I use my sketchbook] to document and process what’s happening around me,” says de la Rosa. “It can be anywhere from lunch at Love Handle, to riding the train in Chicago, to hiking trips in Colorado. My work as an illustrator can feel very isolating at times, and using my sketchbooks is my way of connecting with what’s real and with what matters. “I used to think that being an artist means that I have to do everything I can to constantly hone my craft,” he says. “While that is partly true, the real purpose of being an artist is to project our work outward, rather than inward. That means my art is done for the sake of the community around me, instead of myself. That mindset has completely changed the way I create. These days, I think about how I can influence my city through my work, and my attitude towards community and the people around me.” ✂
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