Ep 66: Alec DeJesus on almost giving up on art and then choosing to keep going

Artist Alec DeJesus was first a guest on the podcast a year ago. Since then he's had some of his highest highs and lowest lows. He found success with an art commission through Broward College in Florida, painting two murals for them, but then progress on the murals wasn't happening and he almost gave up on art altogether. In the end he didn't abandon his art career and he found tremendous success in actually getting the murals done and inspiring a group of young artists at the college. Episode 66 of the podcast is an often raw and vulnerable conversation where Alec delves into all the struggles an artist carries with them in the audacious attempt to get their art made.

Here are some recent articles detailing Alec's work, focusing especially on his murals in Florida:
Journal Star Article on Painting the Planter in the West Bluff and Photo Gallery
Widower's Grief Blog Profile
Profile on the murals with Amsterdam Street Art
Graphite Gallery Artist Page

Past Podcast Episodes on Peoria Area Artists:
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Episode 63: Artist Jaci Musec

Episode 60: A Discussion of Nathan Peterson's "Is It a Sin?"
Episode 46: Artist Quinton Thomas
Episode 13: Artist Jessica Ball—Owner of the Art Garage
Episode 22: Artist Blair Jeffers
Episode 21: Carol McPherson—Director of the Fost Gallery
Episode 38: Musician Jared Grabb

Episode 40: Coffee Artist Kagan Masters
Episode 42: Artist Alec DeJesus (2017)
Episode 43: Jimmy Bridgeman of Rock Solid Studio
Episode 44: Natalia and Earl of Yaku
Episode 45: Brooks McDaniel—Philosophy and Religion Professor

Ep 42: Artist Alec DeJesus

Alec DeJesus is a Peoria, Illinois based artist. His works seem to come from another time while also drawing from pop culture. They are familiar and otherworldly, earthy and sacred, mythical and everyday. In our conversation we covered where he draws inspiration from and how he has developed entrepreneurial skills to become a working artist. You can stream the episode below or subscribe on itunes, Stitcher, or other podcast services. A number of Alec's works are mentioned in the interview, most of which I include in this article. You can follow Alec on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/alecdajesus/

Subscribe to the podcast on itunes 
Check out the podcast page to subscribe on Stitcher, Tunein, and PocketCasts.

Past Episodes on Peoria Artists:
Episode 13: Artist Jessica Ball—Owner of the Art Garage
Episode 22: Artist Blair Jeffers
Episode 21: Carol McPherson—Director of the Fost Gallery
Episode 38: Musician Jared Grabb
Episode 35: Christmas Album Excerpts and Commentary

Episode 40: Coffee Artist Kagan Masters