About Elias Vargas
Born in Albuquerque, NM to a family of musicians, carpenters, and artists alike - he has always enjoyed being creative. However much of his younger years were filled with his love of sports - playing basketball and soccer. As Elias grew, each year he began exploring his artistic side more and more. Through the years, he has lived in Albuquerque, NM, Seattle, WA, Long Beach, CA, Guadalajara, MX, and now lives in San Diego, CA.
“Living and traveling all over the world has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and through those adventures - my style of artwork has grown and evolved”
Elias received his Bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies from the University of New Mexico, where he met and learned from fellow artist and friend, Jorge Avena. Together they started Cosmic Companeros Art - an art based business that designed and created murals throughout the Southwest U.S. Their style was influenced by the notion of the Raza Cosmica at the forefront of everything they painted; this philosophical concept was first put forth by Jose Vasconsuleos in the early 1900’s, that here in the Americas - we are one evolving union of people. And therefore the art is representative of that idea.
“Learning how to design and create murals with Jorge helped me to be a much better canvas painter, everything from the design and concept portion, to the structure and layout, along with the importance of colors and contrast”
While painting murals and working as an educator in Pico Rivera, CA, Elias also received his Master’s degree in Educational Theory from Whittier College and received a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Ultimately, Elias’ art is a reflection of his experiences, visions, and the universal spirituality that exists within all of us. The subjects, textures, styles, and colors are reflective of the world as he sees it and ultimately envisions it.
“My goal is always to create artwork that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also to invoke and create an emotional, mental, and spiritual response in which people can feel the passion and beauty that connects us all”