Artist Spotlight: Palacio de los Santos

"The Canals of Xochi" by Palacio de los Santos pictured above.

Palacio de los Santos is a visual artist based in the Bay Area. “I am a visual artist specializing in global mood and travel art. I was born in Mexico and raised in Chicago from the age of one; however, I am currently based in the Bay Area. I've been an artist since being an undergraduate student around the early 2010s, but did not launch my photography business until early 2021. I enjoy capturing moments in moving and still images that highlight the world's beauty, diversity and uniqueness” You can view her portfolio and shop her work on her website, www.palaciodelossantos.com.

Palacio was inspired to begin taking photographs during her travels. “My inspiration to begin photographing came from my international travels across Europe, Latin America and Oceania in my early twenties. I was further inspired to start my photography business as a result of feedback from people who enjoyed my captures. Before this, I took photography stills for personal memories and projects. However, the more I shared these with friends and strangers, the more support I received to share my prints with the rest of the world!” As a photographer, she enjoys the connection photography gives her to the subjects she is capturing. “My favorite thing about being an artist is the ability to connect and learn from my interactions with my photography subjects. It allows me to expand my perspective and personally experience the interconnection of humanity.” 

"Marloth" by Palacio de los Santos pictured above.

Palacio enjoys the work of artist Cindy Sherman. “One of my favorite pieces of photography is the Untitled Film Still collection by Cindy Sherman. Her playful yet critical perspective on culture and media is an inspiration of aesthetic and self-reflexivity.” In her own work she enjoys photographing landscapes and life. “I enjoy capturing dramatic landscapes and quotidian life across environments. I aim to highlight the juxtaposition of interconnectedness encountered in everyday cultures, lifestyles and locations across the world.”

"Intertwined Maputo" by Palacio de los Santos pictured above.

When beginning a new project or piece, Palacio is often inspired by the environment. “What inspires me most when starting a new project is the surrounding environment. I love learning about local life, history and surrounding culture. The more I dive into the environment, the more I can capture and translate to photographic prints.” To aspiring photographers, she encourages practicing and finding your style. “My advice to aspiring artists/photographers would be to practice and experiment with your camera and framing. It takes time to develop and progress your style but continuously exploring allows you to finetune and learn!” 

"BLM in PDX" by Palacio de los Santos pictured above.

Palacio discovered Golden State Art through an online search. “I heard about Golden State Art after doing online research searching for a reliable print material store. I was in the process of launching my mood and travel photography business and was in dire need of a good source. Golden State Art fulfilled and I've been a happy customer since! Golden State Art has helped me provide consistent high quality materials for my prints. From mats to backings and clear sleeves, Golden State Arts helps me protect and elevate my prints.” 

Palacio is currently working on a documentary. “I'm currently working on a documentary titled INTERTWINED: INTERSECTIONAL CONVERSATIONS, which provides an unfiltered perspective on the contemporary world from women in South Africa and Mozambique. As part of our fundraising, I'm also working on selected INTERTWINED still prints.”

To keep up with this project and Palacio's future projects, visit her links below.

Palacio's Website: www.palaciodelossantos.com

Palacio's Instagram: @palacio.de.los.santos.art