INNER~VIEWS : ISAAC DIAZ
I am a ceramic artist, primarily. I am based in Oklahoma City. I have always lived here. I look to Latin American cultures and histories for my work. My mother is American and my father is Salvadoran. I have always been curious about where my dad is from. When my family started traveling to El Salvador when I was a kid, it really shaped who I am today. Outside of art, I love to travel, watch films, and go for long walks in my neighborhood.
Isaac Diaz of uoqaus and Naranjo Naranjo
How did you get to where you are today?
From traveling to El Salvador and living in a place like Oklahoma (maybe you’ve never thought of it and that is ok!), I began to ask lots of questions regarding culture. Who was I in this place I lived? How could I learn more? My Spanish isn’t perfect, much of it I learned on my own, which I believe has always led me to researching the visual aspects of Latin America. I started getting more serious about art making when I was in university for interior design. During my time in that program I felt a deep need to create on my own terms. I changed degrees and turned my focus to exploring visual culture of Latin America, primarily the indigenous cultures of Guatemala and El Salvador. The textile making traditions there really captivated me. I started making small weavings on a wooden handloom. After a couple years of that I felt as if my ideas couldn’t be fully realized in fibers or textiles. Eventually, I discovered and fell in love with clay. Soon after, I started incorporating found objects and non-ceramic materials into small sculptural installations.
You recently traveled to Guatemala. How was going there and seeing your inspiration in person?
Guatemala is a dream. It is hard to explain. It felt like my old days of scrolling on Pinterest and looking up research journals came to life. It felt like a full circle moment. The patterns and meaning behind each stitch is reflected in all aspects of daily and spiritual life, which is something I love. I think now I am still processing my experience, but I am thinking of translating these patterns into vessels somehow.
You create beautiful spaces, whether it's in your pop-ups or an installation; what's the driving force in the way you put these scenes together?
I love to see people gather. Seeing people together is very special, so perhaps I celebrate that. I like for my artwork to blend into the functionality of furniture and interior spaces. But I am not a fan of a traditional gallery, white walls, white pedestals, concrete floors... they don’t feel alive to me, unlike a friend’s home or the dining room in my house.
Where are you focusing your energy in 2024?
This year I am focusing on my finances, very exciting stuff. But I am saving up to open a shop to fully live my dreams. I have been incredibly blessed and fortunate to have support for my work and curation. I am hoping by the end of the year to have enough saved up. I think I am carrying some of 2023’s energy with me as well, that is, to not worry about the outcome.
What’s your ideal day look like?
Wake up slowly. Have my space clean and everything put away. Meeting a friend or two for coffee or a glass of wine in the evening. I love to step into my studio and start tackling a piece I have had in my sketchbook for days, weeks, months, or years. At some point in the day I am watching a film, also.
What is your prayer to the world?
I often feel angry at the world. Angry for the suffering of others, their denial of humanity, and lack of care. I often pray to god/the universe/xochipilli/kali for rest. These prayers I always want to follow up with action. The world is a crazy place, but I am comforted by the fact that others pray for good things as well.
Favorite object or space in your home?
I am such a collector of knick knacks so this is hard… But perhaps it is a Maria Poveka plate I found at Goodwill but also the first oil painting painted by my great grandmother on my mom’s side. It’s of a forest trail at sunset, I cannot help but display it upside down for some reason.
Where can people find you?
@uoqaus for ceramics and installations and @el.naranjo.naranjo for a look into my curation of folk art and artwork from my friends.
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