Who are you and what do you do?
My name’s Inaya Flores and I’m a Mexican American artist in my early 20s from Phoenix, Arizona. I try and cover multiple medias in my art,. My main works are digital but I also make paintings and use Photoshop. My digital pieces include full art, stickers, album covers, and clothing designs. The majority of my Photoshop works are flyers and a few collage style pieces. My paintings have been referred to as pop/surrealism, which I agree with 100%.
“Snake Trap”
How did you get your start?
I started drawing at a very young age, around 8 or 9, and growing up people said I was good. After that I kinda fell out of it for a long time, because I had a lot of family trauma that I never really dealt with, but I started up again roughly four years ago and I’ve only been painting for about a year and half.
What inspires you?
My biggest inspiration is my favorite artist Junji Ito; a Japanese horror manga illustrator. His works focus on body manipulation, I love the idea of taking body parts and making an image uneasy to look at. Based on colors, my main inspiration is Andy Warhol. I love his pop art style.
“Lucifer’s Ramen”
What do you like about AZ?
It’s hard to narrow down what I enjoy the most about AZ, however a few of my favorite things are the memories I’ve made along the way. I was born and raised in Arizona all my life. All my friends and family are here and support my work. Some of my favorite places in AZ to go to are local bars, restaurants, and shops.
“Special Delivery”
Where can we see you(r) work?
I post up all my art on my Instagram (@bummy.art.hoe) that is also the main way to get a hold of me. You can also find my stuff randomly in a handful of locals’ homes. If you see me around in public, I always carry around a few of my stickers and prints. If you’d like to grab one, just ask. Whenever I create a new painting, I will post it up for sale right there unless stated otherwise, my pieces tend to sell fast so it’s first come first serve. I also do commissions so if you weren’t fast enough you can always DM me and we can discuss what kind of piece you’d like from me that’s more personal. A handful of my works are featured on local musicians’ albums and t-shirts that you can purchase from them as well.
“See All”
What would you like to accomplish before you die?
I have a handful of small things I’d like to accomplish before I die that are stepping stones so that I can eventually make it to where my art is my main source of income. I want to be able to do what I love, but still be financially stable. Being able to focus solely on creating and not having to worry about any other types of responsibilities.
“Jughead Starves”
What is your mantra?
Do what makes you happy. Continuing to push yourself; you and your work will grow together. You may not think you’re any good but there will always be someone to support you in whatever you do.
