Gerardo Camargo, an artist based in Kensington, Maryland, has been working from his basement studio for six years. His days start early, with a mix of Spanish and English news podcasts and powerful music that inspires him to dance and sing as he works.

Camargo’s studio lacks windows, allowing him to focus intently on his work without distraction. He sources materials from construction sites, using discarded items creatively in his art inspired by Latino communities and Mesoamerican culture.

The space is divided into three areas: a dusty power tools room, an area for two-dimensional art and framing, and an assembling and gallery-like zone. Camargo prefers to work with materials that have a history of manipulation, emphasizing their potential over purpose-built art supplies.

He wishes for more interaction within the artistic community but is fortunate to have his wife as a fellow artist who provides constant feedback and companionship. Camargo’s favourite local museums include the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington D.C., and the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, where he finds art that resonates deeply with him.