#297 The Artist Factory: Fostering Creativity and Collaboration in Albuquerque with Carlos Contreras

We have the pleasure of meeting our next guest, Carlos Contreras, in his captivating and innovative shared artist space, a unique initiative he's spearheading called the "Artist Factory." This concept represents the first of its kind in Albuquerque—a gathering place for various artists and service providers to collaborate under one roof, creating a dynamic and supportive creative community.During our conversation, Carlos passionately discusses the idea of nested businesses and the potential of bringing together artists and creators to contribute to their local community. His vision shines through as he envisions a space where these talents can flourish with the right support and investment.Born and raised in Albuquerque, Carlos grew up in a traditional Catholic family, shaped by the influence of his marine father and the challenges posed by his mother's mental health issues. Despite the tough love atmosphere at home, Carlos found solace and expression in the arts. His journey began as a slam poet performer, a culture he embraced and excelled in, which helped him carve out his identity.As life unfolded, Carlos transitioned into marriage and fatherhood, only to find himself divorced and returning home to Albuquerque. Here, he embarked on a new artistic path, exploring painting on large canvases. A defining moment emerged when his young daughter expressed interest in painting on his artwork. Carlos's decision to embrace her creativity inspired him to venture into abstract art, fundamentally altering his creative trajectory.Join us as we delve into Carlos's story, discovering the evolution of his artistic expression, his resilience, and the unique community-building endeavor he's embarked upon with the Artist Factory. The Jar provides a platform for him to share his experiences, insights, and aspirations with us all. For more of The Jar, visit:Website: https://www.thejar.live/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTqB1dhDvl0Oh505ysdxTgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not represent the views, beliefs or opinions of The Jar Podcast. Our goal is to provide a platform for everyone no matter what they believe, and we would like to continue to do that while making it clear our guests are not a representation of The Jar Podcast.