Artist Interviews 2025

Federico Salas
By Laura Siebold



Rico is a talented street artist who lives in New Orleans and fuses elements of his Mexican heritage with the symbolism and magic that is inherent to the Crescent City. Rico introduces us to the root of his existence, spiritual beliefs, and the importance of honoring his culture. The artist also shares his purpose for painting with us.



We met in New Orleans, where you exhibit your work at the French Market. Can you please tell us a little about daily life in New Orleans? What is special about the art community?


Life in New Orleans is great. The mix of cultures is what makes it special. New Orleans has many good artists, but most important are the art lovers in the community.



How did you find your way into the art world? Have you always wanted to become an artist?


It wasn’t easy being in a world full of good artists, but I was born in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. It is a place that is saturated with art – the city is a piece of art itself. New Orleans reminds me of my hometown and makes me feel inspired to do my art. I didn’t want to be an artist… I was born to be one. Since I was little, it was in me to walk around with a pencil in my hand, drawing all the time. It is my gift from God.



You blend elements of your Mexican heritage and the mystical nature of New Orleans in your work. How did you find your unique style and voice as an artist?


It is not a blend; it is the roots of both our existence. In Mexico, our ancestors made the spiritual life a part of daily life. In New Orleans, the mystical nature of the culture is based on people’s beliefs, concentrated on both life and death. Both grow up immersed in these beliefs. This is how my art is different, and people respect me as an artist – I respect and honor my roots.



Your art is both dark and whimsical; it blends tradition and future and invites the past into the present. What do past, present, and future mean to you?


As I said, I respect my ancestors and love to think about how they live deep in the culture – the culture that in modern life is getting lost. So, for me, it is important to know the past, put it in my art, and gift it to the future!



Tell us a little about your work methods. How do you choose your subject, and where do you look for and find your inspiration?


Everything is in my mind and heart. I am spiritual, romantic, quiet, a dreamer, and wild, so I just mix all of those ingredients, and the art comes out.



Where do you mostly exhibit your art? What are the viewers’ reactions to your work?


I am in the French Market most of the time, but I do some art shows around the country. People like my art because it speaks to the spirit.



Your handmade diaries are a unique product you offer in collaboration with your brothers. Can you please describe the process behind this product?


They are made through an old Mayan tradition. To create our handmade paper, we mix the paper with natural fibers, cut and stitch the paper together, and do all the binding by hand. Now we use recycled paper, but the original paper was made from fig bark. We decided to recycle paper to help the environment.



What is the main purpose of your work?


The main purpose of my work is to calm my spirit. Painting brings me a lot of peace, as creating art is very spiritual for me. It’s nice when my work catches people’s attention and they appreciate it.



Do you envision collaborating with other artists in New Orleans in the future?


It could be nice.



What is your ultimate dream, and what do you consider your greatest accomplishment as an artist so far?


My dream is to be a renowned artist, but I don’t do much about it. I really just paint because it makes me feel calm. I feel most at peace with a canvas and my brushes. My biggest accomplishment is to be in the hearts of all my customers and being in the greatest New Orleans art scene. Note from Federico’s daughter: My dad has worked in the market all my life. Since we came to New Orleans, when I was a baby, the market has been a second home to me. Through the hottest summers and the coldest winters, my dad has always been there to bring his artwork into the heart of New Orleans. He loves being active in the artistic Hispanic community we have here. His work and customers truly bring him joy. From him, I’ve learned how to live a full and happy life through being spiritual and remembering our ancestors. As he said, painting is his gift from God. I am so proud of my dad!