Name: Jon Garcia
Type of Artist: Writer/Director/Producer/Musician
Location: Portland, OR
What mediums do you use for your art?
I primarily work in film as a writer, director, producer, and editor, but have dabbled in traditional art and music. Film is my main language because it allows me to combine several mediums and try new things. I was a touring musician for several years, and I got into filmmaking originally by way of composing a score.
What is your core inspiration for your art?
I often tell stories about people who are often misunderstood or overlooked and explore the emotional spaces where love, identity, grief, forgiveness, and connection intersect. I’m interested in finding the humanity in everyone.
What do you think your role as an artist is in the community?
I try to cultivate an environment where artists feel safe to be creative and supported and empowered to contribute. I like to build opportunities for other artists as well.
What would you like to see happen in the art world to include the LGBTQ+ community more?
In the film world, I want to be part of continuing the momentum that “Heated Rivalry” has started. I’m very in interested LGBTQ+ genre stories and currently interested in telling sports stories.
How has art impacted your life?
Art is all I do. No kids, I don’t have a partner, I stay pretty film centric.I don’t really chase commercial work anymore, I’d rather be making features. That’s what excites me and honestly, it’s where I feel most at home.
Who are your favorite artists?
Paul Thomas Anderson, Barry Jenkins, Jeff Buckley, Mary Oliver are the ones that come to mind.
Where can people see your art?
Most of my work, including Sex Weather, the Falls trilogy, and Luz, is on Tubi and Apple TV and Luz is also streaming on Prime , Apple TV and Kanopy.
What does it mean to be a Queer artist to you?
Being a queer artist means bringing my own perspective to the stories I tell. I’m drawn to stories about love, family, identity, and the ways we find each other. Those themes are universal.
