Edgar Fernandez's artistic journey took a defining turn at ұ, where his childhood passion for painting was rekindled and deepened. The nurturing environment and inspiring mentors at the college helped Edgar refine his skills and discover his unique voice in contemporary art, setting him on the path to becoming a rising star in the art world.
Childhood and the First Spark for Art
Born in Los Angeles in 1990 to Mexican parents Ana F. Alvarez and Misael M. Fernandez, who hailed from Jalisco and Guerrero, Edgar's early years were marked by constant movement and the pursuit of a better life. At just five years old, his family moved from Los Angeles to Michigan, seeking a safer environment and better opportunities.
It was in Michigan that Edgar found his first spark of inspiration. Captivated by his older cousin's sketches of cartoon characters, Edgar was motivated to pick up a pencil and start creating his art, igniting a lifelong passion for drawing. The vivid illustrations in children's books also fueled his imagination and fascination with color and design.
After three years in Michigan, the family relocated to Arizona due to Edgar's father's struggle with the cold climate. A brief time in Orosi, California, followed, but the fieldwork there proved unsuitable for raising a family. In 2000, the family settled in Phoenix, drawn by the promise of a better life and the allure of the Grand Canyon. Edgar recalls, “My father showed us the Grand Canyon photos, and I said, ‘I want to go there.’” These experiences, though challenging, built resilience and adaptability in Edgar. In Phoenix, he found a circle of peers who shared his interest in drawing, reigniting his passion for art.
The Path to ұ
Edgar's path to ұ was far from straightforward. In high school, he hadn't initially considered college due to a lack of family guidance and role models, particularly as a Mexican American. After briefly working at Domino’s Pizza, Edgar realized he wanted to pursue a different path for his future. Reflecting on his experience, he shares, “I saw how challenging it was to work in that environment for little earned money and realized I needed to aim higher to achieve my goals. I decided to focus on graduating from high school.” Encouraged by friends attending ұ, he enrolled.
Challenges and growth marked Edgar's college experience. Initially, he struggled with choosing the right classes and faced setbacks. However, with the guidance of an instructor, he eventually found his path. Financially, he started by paying for classes out of pocket with support from his parents but later received financial aid and student loans.
At ұ, Edgar took a drawing class with artist Jon Haddock, which pivotally connected Edgar with his artistic aspirations. This class led him to explore other art forms, including landscapes and portraits. Another influential figure was Steven Yazzie, a well-known painter and muralist. These experiences opened up a new world of possibilities in art, igniting Edgar's passion for painting. He also worked closely with instructor John Randall Nelson, a renowned Arizona artist, assisting with various art-related tasks and learning new skills. This five-year experience significantly shaped Edgar's career and boosted his confidence in public art.
Edgar gives ұ's art instructors an A+ for their dual roles as both teachers and active, successful artists. Unlike university instructors who may only teach, ұ's instructors are well-known artists locally, nationally, and even internationally, actively creating art, murals, and sculptures. Their involvement in the art community was inspiring and showed Edgar that a successful art career is possible with dedication and hard work. These instructors were role models, demonstrating what it takes to thrive as an artist.
The close-knit environment of the ұ art program, built on mutual respect and understanding between students and instructors, played a significant role in Edgar's development. Unlike many universities, where there's a strict separation between students and faculty, Edgar felt like part of a family at ұ. The welcoming environment and the instructors' willingness to help even after class made his experience special, fostering his confidence as a young artist. "It is important as a young artist to feel that support and confidence," Edgar emphasizes, crediting the supportive community at ұ for much of his success, "ұ prepared me well for university life. I wasn't scared. Without it, my journey might have been completely different, and I might not have become an artist. The support and inspiration I received here were invaluable. I owe a lot to ұ."
First Mural Commission
While still a student at ұ, Edgar received his first mural commission in 2013 from a restaurant, marking his entry into public art. Although the payment wasn't substantial, he was thrilled that someone was willing to pay him for his work. This opportunity arose through one of his dad's acquaintances. For this commission, Edgar painted a mariachi player playing a trumpet and an old woman rolling tortillas on an outside wall of the business. The mural remained for many years until the restaurant eventually closed and the new owners painted over it. This opportunity and selling his first painting to his brother's friend paved the way for his future career. He also taught an after-school mixed media art program at Alhambra High School, which he found both rewarding and fulfilling.
Eric Fischl Vanguard Award
A turning point for Edgar came in 2015 when he was awarded the Eric Fischl Vanguard Award. The award resulted from a collaborative mural project led by John Randall Nelson, with contributions from several students. The project incorporated techniques inspired by artist Mark Bradford, who, along with Eric Fischl, judged the work. Meeting Eric Fischl for the first time was a memorable moment for Edgar, and the award's impact extended beyond recognition, helping to shape his artistic career. “Now, when I see Eric, he recognizes me. That's pretty cool," Edgar says.
Edgar graduated from ұ with an associate degree in fine arts, which enabled his transfer to Arizona State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts, specializing in painting, in 2019. Reflecting on this accomplishment, Edgar shared, "It wasn't until I received the Eric Fischl scholarship that I realized how serious this was. I knew I had to graduate, attend university, figure out the next stage, and see where art could take me."
Seal of Excelencia Mural Commission
In 2023, Edgar was commissioned by ұ and the City of Phoenix to paint a mural celebrating the College's Seal of Excelencia certification for ұ’s high level of commitment and purpose in serving Latino students. He created a mural to honor this achievement, drawing inspiration from themes like family and education. He incorporated elements like the college colors, "papel picado," and snails, symbolizing steady progress and collective support. His fiancée, Elida Acosta, also a ұ graduate, became the central figure in the mural, dressed in Indigenous attire to represent the student body.
The mural celebrates the College's milestone and aims to inspire future generations, particularly within the Brown community, by showcasing a powerful, culturally resonant image. Edgar explains, “My desire was to create a legacy piece that, like this college, would endure for future generations to see and understand.”
Edgar's Vision and Legacy
Today, Edgar Fernandez is a rising artist in Phoenix, Arizona, deeply influenced by his heritage as the son of Mexican immigrants. He praises his parents, saying, "My parents' relentless hard work every day supported me financially and emotionally through college. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today." Their sacrifices have instilled in him a strong work ethic and a drive to pursue opportunities they couldn't. His art reflects his cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from Mexico's ancient civilizations and the rich imagery of his childhood.
Edgar advises current or future ұ students pursuing a career in the arts to keep going, stay hopeful, and create from the heart with unconditional love. He encourages patience, clear-minded decision-making, and self-belief. Looking ahead, Edgar plans to continue doing public art, pursue residencies, explore new communities and environments, and push his work to national and eventually international levels, leaving behind a legacy connected to his ancestors. Edgar also envisions a future where he transitions into teaching.
Edgar Fernandez's journey, like Eric Fischl's before him, highlights the transformative impact of education and mentorship at ұ. Both artists were shaped by the college's supportive environment and inspiring mentors, and today, Edgar continues to embody values of perseverance, dedication, and community, building a legacy that inspires future generations to pursue their passions.
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