What You’ll Find Inside the Magic of Rocio G Montiel’s Messy Little Studio

Rocio G Montiel is a contemporary Mexican artist currently residing and creating in Los Angeles, California. Her practice revolves around the mediums of painting, drawing, and sculpture, all of which she expertly navigates to convey her artistic vision. Montiel’s work delves into diverse themes, with a particular focus on the intricate complexities of the mind and the concept of abstraction. Through her pieces, she invites the viewer to contemplate the intricacies of human emotion and the depths of the subconscious. Each stroke of the brush and every line drawn reflects Montiel’s unique perspective on the human experience, offering a fresh and thought-provoking interpretation.

In her art, she strives to push boundaries and challenge traditional norms, resulting in a body of work that is both visually striking and conceptually stimulating. She also experiments with new techniques, styles, and digital technologies; therefore, her visual language evolves as her art practice develops, making her portfolio diverse and unique. Rocio has a Diploma in Fine Arts from Otis College of Art and Design. Her art has been selected for various juried physical and online exhibitions in the United States (Arizona, California, and New York) and internationally in London, Berlin, Greece, and Japan. She has had a solo show at the Mexican Centre of Culture and Cinematics and with Teravarna Art Gallery. She was the Chief Curator of the Cultural Arts Collective in 2022.

Her work has also been featured in major publications, including Arts in Square, Arts to the Heart Project, Artist Talk Magazine, Altiba Collectors Art Book, Insight Magazine, Robert Allen Design, Artists Closeup, and Bold Journey Magazine, among others. She was selected as the Grand Prize Winner of the New York International Fine Arts Competition in 2021 and a Panelist at the First Binational Meeting of Women in Visual Arts in Baja California, Mexico. She has been a member of the Los Angeles Art Association (LAAA) since August 2020. She has collaborated with brands such as Adidas and has served as an art instructor at DTLA Art Nights in Los Angeles, CA.

And guess what? Rocio G. Montiel is one of the featured artists in our Studio Visit Book, Vol. 5, alongside many talented artists from around the world. Want a sneak peek? Grab your copy now from our shop and enjoy the fantastic artwork created by this global community.

https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

In this week’s studio visit interview, we gain insight into the creative space of Rocio G. Montiel, a Mexican artist based in Los Angeles. Rocio invites us into her space and shares what goes on behind the scenes—her daily routines, what inspires her work, and how she turns emotions and life experiences into abstract art. She talks about everything from happy accidents on the canvas to her dream of having a studio dog (still no pup, but fingers crossed!). For now, it’s just Rocio and the soft scent of fixative spray in the air, fresh from a new piece she just finished. It’s a glimpse into a space that’s not just about creating art, but about living it.

1.  Can you describe your typical studio day and creative process?

Each day in the studio tends to look a little different—it all depends on the project I’m working on at the time. My creativity often comes alive late at night (a true night owl’s gift), though occasionally inspiration strikes earlier in the day. As a result, the flow and energy of each day can vary significantly. A typical day might begin with me arriving at the studio, matcha or juice in hand, along with some carefully chosen snacks to keep me going. I’ll start by preparing my materials, then select a familiar show or film to play in the background—something I’ve already seen, so it can keep me company without becoming a distraction.

From there, I dive into the creative process. Once I’m fully immersed, time has a way of disappearing. I can easily spend hours painting, wholly absorbed in the work. That said, I have learned how important it is to listen to both my body and mind. When I start to feel overwhelmed or mentally fatigued, I take a step back, put on some music, move around, maybe even dance a little. It’s a small but powerful ritual that helps me reset and channel my energy in a healthy, sustainable way.

2.   What is the primary inspiration behind your current body of work?  

My work is a reflection of my personal experiences, an exploration of the emotional and mental landscapes I’ve navigated. Whether rooted in joy, struggle, sadness, or growth, each piece emerges from a genuine experience. I find meaning in the process of expressing nuanced, internal experiences through abstraction; art becomes the conduit through which I transform emotion into visual expression. What fascinates me most about abstraction is its ambiguity. It challenges me to capture the essence of a moment or a feeling without relying on literal representation.

How do you depict sorrow, resilience, or transformation without words or figures? That’s the puzzle I love to explore. Every brushstroke becomes a way to process, express, and transform my inner world into something others can feel, even if they interpret it differently. Creating abstract art isn’t just my passion; it’s also a personal challenge. It pushes me to stay honest, to dig deeper, and to trust that meaning can exist beyond clarity. My goal isn’t to explain, but to evoke and to create space for emotion, connection, and reflection through shapes, texture, colour, and movement.

3. What is your favourite memory or incident from your studio?

Well, what first comes to mind is the following. I was working on a large piece (a 6×6-foot painting) and I was genuinely excited about it. I had set a personal challenge, blending figurative elements into my usual abstract style. I started improvising with a palette of soft, colourful pastel tones, letting the composition evolve naturally. As I kept experimenting, I felt the urge to introduce a bit of contrast, something bold. So, I added black paint, wanting just a subtle touch without disturbing what I’d already created.

I was being as careful as possible, especially since some sections had already been completed. However, what then happened was that one tiny drop of black paint slipped out of place. I panicked a little. However, the way the drop fell was quite remarkable. It landed on the edge of the lips I was painting, and somehow, it worked. The accidental mark gave the piece a whole new layer of expression, it added somehow intensity and made it feel more alive. Honestly, it turned out to be a happy accident, one of those small surprises that ends up making the work feel more authentic. I liked it.

4. Do you have any studio assistants, or do visitors, such as pets or children, often accompany you?

At the moment, it’s just me in the space and no pets around, though I do have visitors from time to time, mostly close friends. Sadly, none of them bring furry companions along. I love dogs, all of my friends need a pup in their life… and I need one in mine, too. A studio dog would be the dream.

5. How would you describe a dream studio for yourself?

My dream studio is a vast, open space, an expansive square where I have room for all the materials I could ever need and enough freedom to create large-scale artworks and sculptures. It’s more than just a workspace; it’s a sanctuary where imagination has no limits. My ideal space is one where my art studio and living area coexist seamlessly, both tucked within a massive, open square. I believe this is the dream of every artist, to have a space that’s not just for creating but for living too. No commute, no distractions, just the ability to move effortlessly between creative work and personal life. In this dream studio, I could immerse myself in multiple projects simultaneously, each on a grand scale. And when I need a break, my living space is just on the other side, still part of the same open environment. No walls, no boundaries, everything flows together. Every corner inspires, and everything feels connected.

6. What does your studio smell of right now?

Fixative spray. I know it will be taken care of before this is published, haha, but as I write this, the smell of fixative spray is still in the air. I just finished a large piece on paper, mostly using pencils, so I’m wrapping up the work for now.

7. If you could set up your studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?

A studio and house at the top of a mountain in Sardinia, Italy, with a view of the sea. That’s the kind of place I dream, a big studio/house where I can live in complete calmness and be deeply connected to nature.

8. Can you discuss any ongoing projects or plans for your work?   

This project is still evolving as I explore its direction, but it’s a new series that reflects my journey from Mexico to Los Angeles, the path that has led me to where I am today. It’s an ambitious endeavor, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. In parallel, I’m also working on a smaller monochrome series of abstract pieces. I’ll be sharing everything on my website, www.rgmartist.com, as well as on my social media pages.

9. How do you organise your space?

Everything in my studio is well organized, which makes it easy to find what I need. I have a shelf where I categorize my materials, there’s a specific section for pastels, another for pencils and markers, and others for acrylic paints, paint additives, and so on. I also store my canvases, tools, frames, and other equipment in separate storage boxes. My rolls of paper and canvas are kept in a closet to protect them from dust, and I have a dedicated storage cabinet for my finished art, all packed and sealed. I’m someone who thrives in a clean, organized workspace. If things are cluttered, it creates some sort of anxiety. I make sure to clean my brushes right after using them, sharpen my pencils after each use, etc.

10. What is your favourite corner in the studio?

Every corner of my workspace feels like a favourite. I’ve put a lot of care into making it comfortable, fun, and inspiring. It took time to get it just right, but every effort was completely worth it.

Rocio’s studio feels peaceful and full of creative energy. It’s the kind of place where you walk in and instantly feel inspired. Everything has its place—her art supplies are neatly organised, and the space is set up to let her work freely, whether she’s painting, drawing, or experimenting with something new. There’s usually a familiar show playing softly in the background, adding a cosy touch. Even though she works alone, the studio feels warm and full of life, like the art itself is keeping her company. It’s a space made for dreaming, creating, and just getting lost in the moment.

Visit our website to explore the virtual studio spaces of other artists. To get featured on our website, don’t forget to apply for this month’s call for art.

Read more about Rocio on her Website and Instagram.

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