Last week I chatted with Miriam Muñoz, AKA Miriampersand. Miriam is a well-spoken, energetic and multi-layered artist, and I was instantly drawn to Miriam’s unique style and clever wordplay.
JL: How did you come up with the name Miriampersand?
M: I came up with it when I was a graphic design student. I like the meaning of joining two things. And, also because my real surname is Muñoz with the Ñ and I couldn’t get a URL domain name.
It is just as well, as her pseudonym is such a perfect fit for her personality. Allow me to illustrate. Miriampersand is a clever portmanteau that means Miriam&. She is Miriam & more. After chatting with Miriam, I’m beginning to see just how much more.
JL: So, Miriam, what are some influences in your work?
M: There is a lot of pop culture involved in my works, so It usually begins with a movie I saw that featured a particular building or a car I enjoy, and then I build the artwork around it. I also enjoy putting architecture and luxury cars versus nature. I’m interested in the weird, the uncanny, merging things that wouldn’t usually fit each other.
And she blends them well. Her artwork combines animals & cars & architecture & comics & philosophy & 80’s vibes & movies. I could go on! That’s what I love about Miriam. These varied interests make for such rich and interesting content.
JL: Where did the alligator come from, and how long has it been your signature character?
M: Since I started illustrating professionally, I’ve been drawing human characters with animal heads as a way to express our emotions. The alligator is a way to represent our primal emotions, the reptilian brain operating in our daily lives. I like to think about the human experience and how people present themselves.
JL: What is something you are most proud of?
M: Being curious. Curiosity is what makes me live. I like to discover new things, not always art-related, for example, roller derby. Although I am a terrible skater, I got into it so much that I ended as bench coach of my National Team, which made me travel all around Europe and meet amazing people. Being surrounded by like-minded people and learning from everybody always makes me proud.
Talking with Miriam felt easy, and she strikes me as what I call a New Hedonist, someone who consumes interests and hobbies with a healthy appetite. I learned she loves coffee & podcasts. She loves her dog Tati, her girlfriend, watching TV, journaling & of course, food.
JL: What is your favourite food?
M: I love food, I can’t pick a favourite, I love everything!
JL: There has to be something you want more than others! You can have a top 10 if that makes it easier for you?
M: Ok! As I am Spanish I love croquetas, gazpachos manchegos & tapas. Of course, sushi & umeboshi onigiris. I love tacos & drinking micheladas & ANY variations of mac & cheese.
I should have guessed she was a fan of Mac & Cheese; two beautiful things joined together with an ampersand.
Throughout our conversations, Miriam was polite & humble. In addition, she was funny & engaging. I feel like I’ve only just begun to get to know Miriam, as I am sure with Miriam, there will always be more & more.
For all things Miriampersand.
