Today we’d like to introduce you to Smile Urena.
Hi Smile, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the US when I was 10 years old, and has been my home ever since. I went to school and college but couldn’t finish due to the financial struggles at the time, despite having two jobs. Before the pandemic, I was a brand ambassador for Hermés and merchandiser for multiple grocery stores, including Whole Foods Market.
During the pandemic, my spouse and I decided to buy paint to create a painting for our living room. While trying the acrylic paint my mind exploded with ideas; I loved how the paint felt.
I thought that making a painting has a procedure and that only people who attended art school could do it. I did some research and learned any expression on a canvas, is indeed an art form
During the search, I came across an abstract artist from Germany whose name is John Beckley. This is where I fell in love with abstract painting and splashing/throwing paint.
One way I express my creativity is by splashing paint and using vibrant or combinations of colors to convey emotions.
I started sharing my work on IG stories and found that people enjoy and connect with my art. People started requesting bigger pieces, with a certain color palette to match their decor.
I was always drawn to fashion before I discovered painting; I’ve always dressed to match my emotions; color being a big part of my clothing
So on the trip to Miami, I decided to paint a fedora hat by splashing paint. My spouse did not like the hat, she thought it was horrendous hahaha. I didn’t listen to her, and I wore my hat out to Miami that’s when we realized that painting hats was also a thing that people connected and enjoyed, and that’s when the concept hat on the canvas was born.
Fast forward to a few months later, I had the opportunity to collaborate my art with Balenciaga and Gucci; the focal point being drip-art. That collection was the Hacker Project. Their studio in Paris asked me to represent them during Art Basel, Miami 2021 and Valentines Week 2023.
My hats have given me the opportunity to collab with celebrity-stylists, creating custom fedora hats for Romeo Santos, Maluma, CNCO, other A-list celebrities
Humility, consistency, and giving back to the community have been the key to my success
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Learning how manage a business, while being an artist, is a challenge. Constantly investing into the brand is also a big sacrifice.
As an artist, I want people to recognize the work and for it to bring happiness so I am rarely thinking about the money I am spending. So when it comes down to pricing the artwork or the hat, it’s always been a challenge because I want everyone to be able to have a hat
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist who designs and paints fedora hats. I specialize in abstract art.
I am known for the concept “Hat on Canvas”
The craftsmanship that I put in every single one of my hats is quality; the attention to fine details and no cut corners
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
discipline and consistency.
Pricing:
- Hats from $350-$650
- Paintings $250-$5000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sjruart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smileurena/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SmileUrena?eav=AfbPxIM-dEfAWA8Eis90ZuPF9DvVo58DVDqtGB5SmsQHkJwXGj3XPJB4TGZI2LPklGM&paipv=0
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCGIqCdBp0NLmq_QtDnCIsaQ
Image Credits
Dormuah Visual, Robert Photography, and Erniel Rodriguez
