Thinkspace is excited to present Sentrock ‘Two Birds, One Stone’ which highlights the dichotomy of who he is as an artist and who he is as a person, bringing to light the relatable internal struggle of simultaneously being more than just one thing. The works highlight the times of his introspection, aiming to capture the raw energy or the fleeting moment. Through his creation, Sentrock has become a catalyst for his community. His work presents undertones of hope, freedom and expression, encapsulating his background, history, upbringing, empathy, and compassion for his community.
Our interview with Sentrock discusses his cocktail of choice, mentorship and community, about fatherhood and his ideal dream artist to collaborate with.
What was the inspiration behind this latest body of work? What themes were you exploring?
My inspiration for this body of work was to explore my internal reflections what or who I am as an individual, as an artist and as a person outside of that. Just allowing myself to create, based off that notion of who am I like what do I want as a person.
The last time we interviewed you, you were preparing for your museum exhibition at the Elmhurst Art Museum. How was that experience? You had several sculptural and animated elements in the exhibition, what was the process for making those concepts a reality?
The museum exhibition was amazing, the platform that a museum brings allowed me to vision my work through a different lens but also for the audience, I gave more of a story line with the art. I was able to dive deeper into the narrative and not just 2D but in a overall captivating way for the audience. The process deals with patience and trust, having an idea and working with some many moving parts you have to enjoy the process and trust the end result is worth it. Creating something that has value and impact takes time and understanding of what you want your audience to receive.
The opening of ‘The Boy Who Wanted to Fly’ had a signature, Paloma. Is that your favorite cocktail? If so, how would one make it. If not, what is your favorite drink to order when feeling fancy?
Haha anything with tequila is my favorite. Palomas are my go to when making them, so I figure why not give them out to the attendees. Paloma is my fancy drink but when I want to feel fancy and sophisticated I go for the Old Fashion.
Mentorship is important to you as an artist, not only helping young artist cultivate their voice but an understanding the business behind being a full-time artist. Who were some of the people who helped you learn the ropes early on?
I mean, yeah I wouldn’t have been into art if it wasn’t for a guest artists visiting my school. Mentorship is huge especially in my community, I want to continue to uplift my community and culture. I see a lot of the young latino community as my younger siblings. I was the oldest of 6 siblings, so it came natural.
Your mother helped to foster your creative practice and keep you out of trouble by giving you tools to be creative in your backyard. To other young artists who might not have that kind of support, what advice would you give them to not lose heart?
That’s tough because without some support, it’s like reaching for something you feel out of their grasps, I been there before as well. I would say just start from scratch, find any ways to create, when you have less that’s when the best ideas are cultivated.
Your father has played a notable role in inspiring your creative voice to dig into themes of freedom. And in your last exhibition with us, you were exploring those elements along with grappling with fatherhood yourself now. How has fatherhood influenced your art? What element of fatherhood is most rewarding at the moment and most challenging?
That’s a loaded question, I’ll get back to it after I speak to my therapist haha. The most rewarding part is knowing everything this kid knows or understands at this age is because what I have shown him, the smiles he has is because my playing with him or I showed him something funny. It’s really rewarding to know you can literally show this kid life, and introduce him to a live you want for him. All I can do right now is show up for him and give him love. The most challenging thing, is definitely the energy, learning to balance out the energy. You know the whole work / life balance thing.
What was in your musical rotation during the development of this body of work?
Definitely Drake haha but also a lot Mac Miller. I really listen to anything when in the studio. Mostly chill vibes though, bc I need to be able to chill out.
And do you have a favorite coffee brand? How do you take your coffee?
No real favorite. I take my son to Dunkin every morning on our morning walks so by default. Lol I love a good pour over v60 but dad life calls for a Dunkin, then in the afternoon I get a cappuccino.
If you could collaborate with any artists in any sort of medium (i.e. movies, music, painting), who would you collaborate with, and what would be making?
For sure, Kendrick Lamar. All his music and music videos are super inspirational.
What do you hope viewers take away or experience while viewing your work?
I think I want viewers to take more of a feeling away, like not necessarily my art technique or color palette but the idea of using art as an express tool, almost therapeutic.
How do you like to enjoy your time outside of the studio? Do you celebrate the completion of a body of work?
I would love to celebrate haha! Haven’t given myself a chance to slow down yet but a bottle of red wine, music and some friends is my usual .
Exhibition on view June 3 – June 24, 2023 at:
Thinkspace Projects
4207 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90016
