A Conversation with Sebastian Rueda Montes

"My creative practice is a blend of personal artistic creation and professional advocacy for the arts. While my paintings are rooted in an exploration of emotion, my training in drama at the University of Calgary equipped me to create compelling works. For the past four years, painting has been the central way I explore the stories that inspire my work. I feel a strong kinship with Alberta's art history and the struggle to create a sustainable arts community here. In my professional life, I work to build a national cultural economy that supports artists. My paintings are a testament to this mission, highlighting our debt to art history and demonstrating that a fulfilling creative career is possible."