Luis Valle shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Luis , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think what is most misunderstood about being an artist is how much work actually goes into being a professional artist. People think we just magically paint or create on call and that the product just comes out perfect the first time. The reality is that there is a process and a whole business aspect to it. You have to work hard first to get noticed. Then you have to be able to get clients and then new clients. It is a business like anything else. There is a marketing aspect to it. Staying current on social media is important. You have to also know how to deal with clients and be professional. Getting project completed in a timely manner and to top quality is most importance. You have to come up with concepts that fit for different or scenarios and not everything you come up with works the first time. Sometimes there is a lot of back and forth and tweaking until you and the client come to a agreement.. Lastly you need to know how to collect your compensation. There is a lot of work that is involved in being an artist and self employed. You sometimes work longer hours than the regular person and have to play many different roles.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Luis Valle, also known as El Changuri, and I am the owner of Luis Valle Art Inc. As a visual artist based in Miami, Florida, I specialize in creating large-scale murals and canvas paintings that offer a one-of-a-kind visual experience for my clients. I am an internationally recognized artist, and my work has taken me across the globe, with murals completed in various countries, including China, India, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Nicaragua, and throughout the United States. My art not only serves as a landmark for neighborhoods but also as site-specific pieces for various establishments. In today’s social media-driven world, it’s essential for visitors to encounter stimulating visual elements that resonate with them, helping attract new patrons to their locations.
Originally from Managua, Nicaragua, I grew up in Miami, a city I proudly call home. My artistic journey began in my teenage years when I explored graffiti art. I later pursued my education at Florida State University, where I earned a BFA in Visual Art, followed by a Master’s in Art from NYU in New York City. The vibrant Wynwood neighborhood drew me back to Miami, providing a platform to expand my work and establish myself as an artist.
In my creations, I strive to incorporate the unique characteristics of Miami, such as surreal elements, bold colors, vibrancy, and rich culture enveloped in tropical beauty. Currently, I have completed a signature mural for a four-story building in Little Havana and serve as the official artist for Talkin’ Tacos, having painted 27 of their locations. Looking ahead, I am excited to work on several private commissions, crafting bespoke pieces for clients’ homes.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
While many experiences have shaped my worldview, one of the most significant moments was living through Hurricane Andrew. Growing up in the area where the eye of the storm made landfall, I witnessed firsthand the mass devastation it caused. My family was fortunate to make it through, yet we lost a substantial part of our home and endured living in what felt like a war zone without electricity for three months.
This experience imparted invaluable lessons. One of the most profound insights I gained is that material possessions hold little value. Life can strip away everything we cherish in an instant. This realization has taught me to embrace the present moment and pursue what I love, as the future is never guaranteed.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The loss of family has been one of the defining wounds in my life. As exiles coming to the U.S., we had to start anew, and family became everything—an integral part of my identity. I faced tremendous loss, beginning with my father when I was just 20 years old, followed by the passing of my oldest sister a few years later, and then my grandmother a year afterward. Those years were filled with a cycle of grief, marked by hurt after hurt.
Art became my refuge and a powerful source of healing during this tumultuous time. I’ve found it to be incredibly therapeutic, allowing me to confront my personal demons. In my work, I strive to express the healing energy I’ve discovered through this process, hoping to resonate with others who may be experiencing similar wounds.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
As a child, I always admired Barry Sanders, the legendary football player. To me, he seemed almost magical in the way he ran the ball. Despite his smaller stature, he had an enormous heart and an unparalleled drive. What truly impressed me was his demeanor on the field; after scoring a touchdown, he would simply hand the ball back to the referee without celebration, as if to say it was just another day at the office. I greatly admired his humility and the greatness he exemplified—he was a true testament to the idea that character shines brighter than power.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I have come to understand deeply that we live in an illusion. Much of life is filled with things that ultimately hold little meaning in the grand scheme of things. Many people become driven by money and the relentless pressures of the rat race, missing out on genuine life experiences in their pursuit of wealth and the need to keep up with the Joneses.
What truly matters is how we treat one another. To me, wealth is not defined by monetary possessions; rather, it encompasses a life rich with experiences—both good and bad—that shape us into better versions of ourselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://luisvalleart.com
- Instagram: @el_chan_guri
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luisvalleart/
- Youtube: @luisvalle34
Image Credits
Armando Colls
