Visit this Sowa Studio: Jaime Herrera
Visit This SoWa Studio: Jaime Hererra
Jaime Herrera’s painting featured in his studio 300C
Jaime Hererra is a Chilean illustrator whose colorful studio is located in the SoWa district of Boston, a quick ten minute walk from The Upton. SoWa stands for “South of Washington Street” and is a region known as Boston’s art and design district. Most studios used to be located on Newbury street but they moved to SoWa in recent years and developed a strong community there for artists. There are over 20+ galleries inside of a 2 block radius and visiting the studios is a great weekend activity to do that is in a new area but still close to the South End neighborhood. The experience of viewing art at SoWa is different from viewing art at a museum because you view the art in the artist’s actual studio and oftentimes they are present. The opportunity to hear from the artist themselves takes the viewing experience to the next level and gives greater insight into their work. Hererra’s studio is located on the third floor of the SoWa building.
Miniature stickers of Hererra’s paintings
Hererra is a self described “color nerd.”
His paintings are radiant and catch your eyes immediately. The SoWa website says that he studied art since the age of 13 but he told us that he only started his career as a painter within the last two years. His career as an artist used to be in a different occupation - as a professional 2D illustrator for video games. He made the decision to switch gears to painting because he wanted to create art with physical materials that would surpass the lifespan of video game updates. He loves experimenting with pigments to create new pallets full of personality and calls himself a “color nerd.” Hererra chose oil paint as his creative tool of choice because he says it is the highest quality and creates the boldest colors. He draws inspiration for his art from streetwear style clothing, video games, and life experiences living in different countries. His work shown below.
Painting featured in Hererra’s studio
Hererra applies digital techniques to oil painting
Every feature of the painting is planned in advance with 2D sketches so that Hererra knows where everything goes when he begins to paint. Nothing is left up to question. He explained that it may take a month or so to complete his larger paintings because of the length of time that oil paint requires to dry before he can paint over it. When you step into his studio, you step into his workspace.
Hererra attaches a clothing tag to his artwork as his signature
Original art with streetwear style
Inspired by streetwear fashion, Hererra attaches a customized clothing tag with his name on it to every piece. The clothing tag adds a cool feel and in our opinion also prevents any detraction from the painting of a large signature.
Herrera has artwork in all different sizes for sale at his studio and he offers commissions. If you do not live in Boston you can still purchase one of his smaller pieces or the sticker versions of his paintings. Many new residents of the apartment complexes near SoWa come to his studio to add life to their walls. We highly recommend his studio for original art - regardless of how close you live to SoWa.
Add visiting Hererra’s studio to your South End neighborhood itinerary. Hererra’s work will also be featured in The Upton’s window display facing Upton Street during the month of May. The SoWa art studios are open to the public on weekends. View their website for a full directory of artists and more information. You can learn more about Jaime Herrera and his public studio hours here.