Have you seen this adorable bear somewhere in the city of Chicago? If so, you've seen one of the numerous works of JC Rivera.
JC Rivera came from Puerto Rico and decided to settle in
Chicago because he wanted a big city that was small enough for him to still stand
out and be noticed. He was a retail manager that did art on the side until he
decided to make his art his career. He now incorporates his art into clothes
and shoes. Rivera’s art encompasses more than just murals and street art. He is
a graphic designer, toy designer, cartoonist, illustrator, and painter. The
preferred media may be murals and street art, but Rivera enjoys doing anything
and everything art.
Unlike most
street artists, Rivera does not hide his identity because all of his works have
been commissioned. He has about thirty murals in indoor and outdoor spaces in
Chicago and has been commissioned to do work in other states. Rivera creates
pieces that are unique and extraordinary while incorporating the vibes and
needs of the individual neighborhoods into each project.
When asked
what influenced the well-known image of the Bear Champ, Rivera explained in an
interview that he wanted to be a boxer as a child, but his mother was not
supportive of the idea. After he moved to America and began working in Chicago,
he “started branding the bear, it became like rolling with the punches and
trying to make it as an artist.” He expanded on that idea and said “the
character also means the everyday struggle. Keep rolling with the punches.
Fight for what you believe in.” Not only did this fighting bear symbolize
Rivera’s struggle to make it in the art world, but he wanted it to be an
inspiration for those also struggling to achieve their dreams.
Influences
for his other characters and designs come from other street artists and the
people who view his art. Rivera says that he enjoys the random interactions
with people walking by while he’s working and that he likes the “interaction
with people who get inspired by it.” Rivera draws inspiration from the people
around him and the different environments he works in. These inspirations are
shown through the ways in which he incorporates different aspects of the
neighborhoods and stores that he paints in. He allows the people and environments
around him to shape his work.
I
think JC Rivera is a very creative person because his art comes from within.
Instead of focusing on making money or becoming famous, he paints to inspire
people. He knows what it’s like to struggle with various aspects of life. He
wants people to fight for what they believe in and what they want, so he tries
to incorporate that in his art in fun and playful ways.
https://chicityfashion.com/bear-champ/
https://wgntv.com/2018/10/13/j-c-rivera-makes-his-mark-on-chicago-with-bear-champ/
https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/illinois/articles/introduction-to-chicago-artist-jc-rivera/
https://creativemornings.com/talks/jc-rivera
I really love the symbolism behind the Bear Champ. I think street art has always been a unique place for artists to prosper, although it is unfortunate some of these artists are never known due to lack of commission. The fact that Rivera has this opportunity to spread his art is a super inspiring experience, motivated by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors it seems. I wonder what kind of support Rivera receives from the art field considering street art isn't considered nor accepted as a traditional art form.
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