Quetzal Visions – Creating ‘Precious Visions’ to Help Heal
Reconnecting with his ancestry, Juan Cuevas works to reclaim his culture through his artwork. With creations of ‘precious visions,’ his art business Quetzal Visions taps into the subconscious, expresses spirituality, and offers healing.
As a visual artist, community builder, and decolonizer, Juan Cuevas receives inspiration for Quetzal Visions from several things.
“I receive inspiration from nature, my ancestors, history, spirituality, the subconscious, and through a lot of introspection and understanding of who I am as an Indigenous person post-colonization,” Cuevas explained. “I also draw inspiration from the concept of healing. A lot of my work encompasses the nature of healing people on a subconscious level.”
Having always been an artist, Cuevas evolved his style, craft, and intentions over the years.
“I always enjoyed the art process and enjoyed creating. And I come from a long line of people who create art. My mom was into calligraphy, and my uncle would draw Disney characters, so I was inspired by them,” he shared. “As a young teen being told you’re always going to be poor and will never be an artist, getting into that field and dealing with the mental health struggle, it was difficult.”
After moving to Vegas in 2014, his wife, Xochil Xitlalli, inspired him to create more art.
“In 2017, I really made the move to paint my own pieces. Before that, I did more craft making like sugar skulls and upcycled art, which is different than when you’re putting paint to canvas,” Cuevas said. “After that, I got more serious about my art and did more events. It’s crazy to see how much we’ve done in the last 10 years.”
Starting His Art Career
The Meaning Behind Quetzal Visions
When naming his Art Persona, Juan Cuevas wanted to honor his heritage and chose ‘Quetzal Visions’ for its special meaning.
“‘Quetzal’ means ‘precious.’ Since the idea for my artwork was to create precious visions, not only for myself but for others, the literal translation is ‘Precious Visions,’” he explained. “I wanted a name that was taking back aspects of my culture because many people with our background aren’t aware of those connections to the language.”
Overcoming Challenges
In starting his own art business, Juan Cuevas had to overcome the challenge of imposter syndrome.
“One of my biggest barriers was self-doubt, like doubting that I am an artist or have a voice. I feel that’s a barrier many artists go through because we second-guess ourselves. We worry about whether our artwork is valid or if it meets social and cultural expectations and pressures.
Moreover, he said he faced pushback from people who believe that only those who attended art school and received a formal degree are artists.
“There are definitely people who think you have to do things one way,” Cuevas said.
Malinalli Productions
With his wife and partner, Xochil Xitlalli – Ancestral Art, Cuevas co-runs Malinalli Productions, a dynamic company that shares artwork and helps emerging artists.
Launched in 2021, Malinalli Productions does consulting work to support local artists stepping into the realm of running their own art business.
Through workshops and events, artists are given the opportunity to learn the processes and have space to sell their art and generate an income.
Coming up later this month, Malinalli Productions is hosting the 5th Annual Indigimart, a Native American Heritage Day Market and Celebration on Black Friday, November 28. This event will be held at the Nuwu Art Gallery + Community Center on 1331 S. Maryland Pkwy from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Folks are invited to come support local Indigenous artists and crafters, as well as other local small businesses, as they shop for holiday gifts that support the local community.
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The Meaning of Art to Juan
Art as Therapy
To Cuevas, art is a form of therapy; it keeps culture and tradition alive, and is a way to establish change, educate people, and build community.
“It’s a combo of things. One of the biggest things for me is how art has helped me reclaim my identity. Growing up, my family threw the words Indigenous and native around, and I didn’t know what that meant,” he said. “Art has helped me understand that meaning, reconnect with my culture and people, and it also allows me the opportunity to heal others. A big part of what I do is to create art that helps others heal and helps me heal in the process.”
Art as Connection
Moreover, art is a way to share one’s existence and echo through time. And with each painting, there is the hope that somehow, someway, someone takes something from it.
“To quote Terry Pratchett, ‘No one is finally dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away.’ I can subconsciously heal someone by healing myself through painting a picture or creating a concept that ripples out,” Cuevas said. “We are droplets in an ocean of consciousness, affecting others for better or worse. We have a choice in the dualistic nature of the world; we get to decide if we’re doing things good or bad for the community. With my art, I try to make it as good as possible while hoping to counterbalance the opposite of that.”
Cuevas also shared that his favorite part about his work is how he can turn a vision into a painting and then hear people share their stories and how their experiences relate to his own.
“I love visionary art because it connects people together through shared visions. I am a believer that we can all experience visions with the spirit, but not everyone develops the skills needed to translate those visions into the physical world.” He said. “I believe in the interconnectedness of us all. We all have the ability to tap into the spiritual realm or shared consciousness. We often receive the same messages in different forms. So I truly do appreciate when people express that I painted a vision they experienced.”
Looking to the Future
Goals
Looking to the future, Cuevas’ goals involve increasing the focus on culture and art education.
“Over the next few months, my focus is on coordinating more workshops for this space we’re currently in, with lots of cultural and art education.”
In addition, Cuevas wants to create more works of art that provide healing.
“Overall, though, my main goal is to inspire people to dig deep and rediscover who they are,” he said. “When I create art, I believe I’m creating some sort of portal to help heal people. I want to leave people in introspection, so they can be one step closer to feeling some sense of wholeness.”
Cuevas shared that he also wants to work on big projects like murals and art installations. Having done live art at Area 15 in the past, he’d love to do an activation at EDC and other festivals in the future.
Lastly, Cuevas shared that he wants to travel with his artwork, all while continuing to ripple out the legacy of his ancestors.
“I want to see where my artwork takes me. There are many opportunities to go places,” he said. “I’d love to take my art to all of my homelands. From Central Mexico to the Southwest, I would love to see my work in Galleries and on walls that continue the stories of my ancestors. I want to continue to be a happy ripple in this vast ocean of consciousness. Most importantly, I want to make those who came before me proud.”
The New Administration
With the work Juan Cuevas does with Quetzal Visions and Malinalli Productions, as well as his nonprofit work, there is some worry about Trump’s return to office.
“With my day job, I worry about whether the funding will be there,” he said. This is especially concerning with the recent attacks on nonprofits.
“But there’s also greater motivation to do more good, inspire more people, and encourage people to create more community,” Cuevas added. “Much of what we do here is community-based, and we want people to invest in their community.”
#GetinMotion with Quetzal Visions
Lastly, Cuevas said that the best way for the community to support him and other artists is by sharing and buying their artwork.
There are several ways to support Juan Cuevas and his art! Follow Quetzal Visions on Instagram and check out his art on the Malinalli Productions website.
Order through Malinalli Productions or visit Cuevas at local pop-ups and markets throughout the year to buy his art. You can also buy his art and stickers inside Meow Wolf’s Area 15.
In addition, find Quetzal Visions in the featured artist tent at the upcoming November 7 First Friday Festival!
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