Meet Leonardo Montoya | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leonardo Montoya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leonardo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The process of becoming an artist was very organic for me. Subconsciously, I have pushed forward to relentlessly pursue my career. Being born with an innate artistic talent has allowed me to conquer the emotional and economic adversities I faced throughout my life.
After immigrating to the United States from Colombia, I was compelled to become a passionate ambassador for my people and culture.
After working for a few years in corporate America, I realized all the energy I was using working for somebody else; could be used in my own business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Common themes represented in my art are cultural diversity, gender equality, migration, and the empowerment of women. I can offer my unique perspective on these subjects that remain close to my heart. Portraying the uniqueness and strength of the individual allows me to speak to the sameness of our humanity in parallel to the beauty of our cultural differences. I do this with a deep sense of respect and admiration for what we share and what makes us different.

I was part of an international exhibition in the Middle East back in 2018, where I was named Artist of the Year; after that, I was able to go back several times for more exhibitions creating a relationship with the Al Qasimi Foundation, thanks to that, I had my first residence period in the UAE back in 2021. I feel very proud to be a good ambassador for my people.

Resilience is the quality that has allowed me to come this far in my career; it has never been easy. Art has been an escape from reality since I was a little boy; besides that: discipline, hard work, and a positive attitude toward life allowed me to move forward.

Being present is the most important lesson that I have learned. Through meditation, I have changed the narrative of my subconscious mind, and today I’m more aware of my predisposition for success.

I feel very honored to inspire others with my journey and art knowledge.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s a lot to be done in South Florida, I will start with the beaches, we have a lot to choose from.

Then the art scene, Wynwood, the G. Perez Museum, the Design District, and the Broward art galleries and restaurants on Las Olas, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach.

A weekend down to the keys. Also, just to enjoy the diversity of our restaurants and culture.

Upper Buena Vista. Brickell knight life and Restaurants. A boat ride along the intercostal and Key Biscayne.

For a long trip, we could drive to the West Coast to see the sunset in Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Saint Petersburg, Clear Water, or Tampa. Also, A trip to Orlando, Daytona, and Saint Agustine.

Restaurants I have many to recommend: Chima on las Olas, Brazilian churrasqueria, Eatapas on Federal, Evelyn’s on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Takato and Steak 954, also on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The list goes on…

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family! Starting with my partner who has supported me and cheered me up when I had some setbacks, it helps when you have a different perspective about your approach to life and career. Also, being able to provide support to my families needs down in Colombia has always been a big motivation.

Website: www.leonardomontoyart.com

Instagram: @orlemoon

Linkedin: @leonart72

Twitter: @leonart72

Facebook: @leonardo.motoya.1422