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A Lifelong Passion for Comics and Creativity
Angelo Lopez’s passion for art began in childhood with an early fascination for Charles Schulz's Peanuts. He would draw Charlie Brown and Snoopy obsessively, often on any scrap of paper he could find. As he grew older, he became deeply influenced by superhero comic books and classic strips such as Bloom County, The Far Side, and Calvin and Hobbes.
His curiosity led him to the 740s section of his local library, where he devoured books on comic history, rereading many of them over a dozen times. This foundational education shaped his unique voice as both a fine artist and editorial cartoonist.
After earning his degree in Illustration from San Jose State University, Lopez contributed murals and utility box art throughout the South Bay Area. He has exhibited at Gallery Saratoga, Sunnyvale Art Gallery, Sunnyvale Public Library, and Chopsticks Alley Art, and has participated in local group exhibitions with the Sunnyvale Art Club.
From 2008 to 2023, he worked as an editorial cartoonist for the Tri-City Voice and Philippine News Today, earning accolades that included the Robert F. Kennedy Book and Journalism Award, multiple Sigma Delta Chi Awards, and honors in the Best of the West contest.
Humor Meets Heritage: Navigating Dual Artistic Paths
Lopez draws a sharp distinction between his personal fine art and his politically engaged editorial cartoons. His fine art is intentionally nonpolitical, inspired by the charm and humor of silent-era Hollywood comedies. He cites Charlie Chaplin, the Marx Brothers, and Cary Grant as enduring influences. His goal? Simply to make people laugh or smile.
In contrast, Lopez’s editorial cartoons serve as a medium for civic engagement. A Filipino American who values both his heritage and democratic ideals, he began using his platform to respond to rising political tensions in 2016, particularly under the administrations of Donald Trump and Rodrigo Duterte.
“I’ve been trying to create cartoons that defend democratic values both progressives and conservatives should agree on,” Lopez states. His cartoons aim to spotlight threats to democracy, especially within the Filipino American community.
Angelo Lopez working on a new painting
Art as a Reflection of Life and Loss
In the past five years, personal loss, including the deaths of his mother, father-in-law, and close friends, has influenced Lopez’s creative expression. While his fine art remains grounded in humor, he has also turned to more introspective portrait work.
“I want my artwork to reflect some of my complexity as a flawed human being,” he says. This balance between humor and reflection supports both his mental health and artistic longevity.
From Paper to Pixels: Embracing the Digital Shift
Lopez began adapting to digital platforms by observing what fellow artists were doing on social media, particularly on Facebook. Inspired by their transparency, he launched a YouTube channel to share time-lapse videos of his cartooning and painting processes.
He has also organized and uploaded conversations with other artists and cartoonists. These videos build community and encourage knowledge exchange, a nod to his self-described identity as a “big nerd.”
Drum Twitter by Angelo Lopez
AI and the Future of Art: An Open-Minded Approach
Lopez is cautiously optimistic about the role of AI in the art world. While he recognizes concerns, especially about AI's impact on artist income, he also sees its potential as a creative tool.
“It depends on whether AI cuts into artist income or helps artists create,” he explains. His perspective aligns with broader industry discussions on the future of creative labor.
Blending the Classic and the Contemporary
For his editorial work, Lopez already blends traditional methods—pen, ink, and watercolor—with digital tools like Photoshop. He’s inspired by artists like Jack Kirby and Ezra Jack Keats, who used collage to stunning effect.
“If technology could help me add collage or simplify animation, I’d love to explore that,” he notes.
This adaptive mindset places Lopez at the forefront of artists who merge analog and digital workflows.
Why Physical Galleries Still Matter
Despite the rise of digital alternatives, Lopez values physical galleries for their ability to build community. He fondly recalls the now-closed Sunnyvale Art Gallery, which introduced him to a network of artists, writers, dancers, and musicians.
“I think physical galleries are important to create communities of artists and art lovers,” he says. “That an online gallery just cannot do.”
Expanding Access: New Venues and Formats
Lopez is eager to explore new mediums, particularly printmaking, sculpture, and public art, and envisions fresh ways for audiences to engage with and experience creativity.
Inspired by the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit, he imagines pairing fine art with outdoor movies, live poetry, or theater performances, or even collaborating with engineers for an art exhibition in a tech company, reflecting his desire to bridge disciplines and spaces.
Stay connected with Angelo Lopez by following him on YouTube and Instagram.