Joey cruz Margarejo

Year of birth: 1962.
Where do you live: Edmonton Alberta.
Describe your art in three words: simple, colorful, meaningful.
Website | Instagram

How did your journey into abstract art begin, and what inspired you to choose acrylic on canvas as your primary medium?

Even as a kid, I always wanted to be different. In our art class, while my classmates were all concentrated on drawing, I was more interested in shapes and colors. Although I was amazed by typical rural scenery, realistic pictures, paintings of humans, or photographic sketching, I found myself more fascinated by abstract shapes that I didn’t fully understand. These shapes didn’t depict visual reality, yet I loved analyzing them. I just loved the effect of pouring tons of paint onto my canvas—the more paint, the more I loved it.

I enjoy using acrylics because they allow me to play freely with colors, and I find them easier to work with. My original concept might start with pure blue, but it could end up as green. After pouring tons of red paint, it might turn into purple. I always want my paint to dry faster so I can add even more colors. That’s why my clients often wonder how my finished paintings, despite being the same size, have such different weights—some are much heavier than others. I guess I’m just very generous with my paint!

Your works are often created during the night with a classical soundtrack. How does this setting influence your creative process?

I cannot paint during the day; I love to paint when everything is calm and quiet. It’s just me, my canvas, my paint, palette knife, and my old brushes—the older, the better. Classical music makes me feel more inspired; my creativity and imagination work better. It brings me to another world. There have been some nights when I feel like I’m Van Gogh. Yes, I love everything about him, even his insanity, lol. Listening to Mozart or Bach gives me a sense of euphoria and inspiration.

Joey cruz Margarejob | Flight of an Angel | 2023

You often use a palette knife and old brushes in your work. What draws you to these tools, and how do they shape the texture and emotion of your art?

My old 2 brushes and my old palette knife are my best companions, I cannot created something without them. At the beginning of my career as an artist my best friend and his father both famous artists in the Philippines lend me their old brushes,paints and canvas so I’ve learned to used old materials, and at the beginning of my career, as struggling artists, I can’t afford to buy new and expensive materials, I’ve just settled with the old ones. I don’t want to be dramatic but when i look at my old palette knife and brushes it’s always brings me back with my beginnings and it always shows to my finished art.

What role does your Filipino heritage play in your artistic vision, and do elements of your cultural background appear in your works?

Probably with the colors and titles, but not so much with the paintings themselves. I believe, and even my collectors think, that I am more European and American.

Joey cruz Margarejob | Gladiolus | 2022

Your artist statement poses the question, “Is this art?” How do you feel about the various interpretations your viewers bring to your pieces?

I love it when people give different interpretations, whether constructive or destructive. I’ve never been offended; it means they are thinking about and analyzing my works. I feel like I’ve touched their hearts and souls.

Can you tell us more about your experience exhibiting across Canada and the United States? How has the reception of your work differed between these locations?

Moving to North America is one of the best things I’ve done, bringing my art to different kinds of people and ethnicities. Every time I join an art exposition, listening to different accents and experiencing various cultures and traditions, I believe that art has the power to unite the whole world.

My 1997 exhibition was in Montreal, Quebec, during the ice storm. How could we expect people to buy paintings in such conditions? But on the last night, somebody invited me to a party, and I met a man who ended up buying all my paintings.

After that, I had a few more exhibitions, and I’ve noticed that I always seem to sell pieces after the shows. It might be a coincidence, but it always happens either after I’ve already packed up my things or the day after.

The biggest breakthrough was at Art Vancouver, where I met more people—collectors, artists, gallery owners, and critics. It really opened bigger doors for me. It introduced me to galleries in New York, brought invitations from Monaco, France, the UK, and other European countries, as well as from Southeast Asia.

Presently, I have a regular display at ACCA Gallery in Beverly Hills, CA. North America has worked wonders for my art, and I hope Europe will soon do the same.

What advice would you give to aspiring self-taught artists who are looking to exhibit their work internationally?

Never stop dreaming big, even the impossible dreams. Always believe and work hard for them.