An Ordinary Artist who Loves Jesus – Enrique Pineda-Helguera
Self-described as an ordinary artist who loves Jesus, sophomore Enrique Pineda-Helguera is a digital communication, art and design (DCAD) student. His infectious energy and boundless creativity contribute to his incredible talent, helping him carve out a unique space within the canvas in which he operates. He isn’t just artistically gifted, he’s also musically talented.
Capturing the essence of his subjects with playful exaggeration and keen attention to detail, Pineda-Helguera has fostered a love of creating caricature art. He first recognized his propensity toward art in middle school. “I was always a creative kid,” he said, “but it wasn’t until the eighth grade that I knew I wanted to pursue drawing.” He admits both of his parents are artistic, although they didn’t make a career out of it.
It was his stepmom who decided to record him singing one day while he was doing his artwork. She forwarded that video to the worship leader at his church and that opened the door to a spot on the worship team. “It’s funny because music also opened the door for me to come to Jessup,” he recalled.
Commissioned to come to the University to support an event put on by the Advancement team, Pineda-Helguera was impressed with what he saw when he came to campus. “Here I was doing caricature portraits of people for the event and planning to graduate high school a semester early that same year,” he said. “Jessup wasn’t really on my radar, but then I was approached about the possibility of enrolling here. I learned about the DCAD program and the University Choir and Orchestra. After auditioning and meeting some other people, I applied for and received art, music, academic and ministry scholarships which made Jessup affordable for me. I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to be here because of these scholarships.”
His unique blend of visual and auditory artistry has turned his passion for art into a flourishing commissioned business, where clients are drawn to his work by the immersive experience he creates. “I love doing caricature events and the reactions people have when I do their portraits,” he said. “It’s so cool to be able to bring an idea in my mind to life through my art.”
One project he brought to life is a colorful banner hanging in the Student Union. His most recent project has been a collaborative effort located just outside Jessup’s art studio. “The mural isn’t just done by me,” he was quick to admit. “Makela Lindgren, Sharon Sone, Jason Heard, Aerinae White, Amanda Coakley, and Kasiya Kibukevich have been super involved in getting this piece on the wall.” The project will be officially unveiled at the University’s art installation on April 4 this year.
The mural intentionally embodies the essence of the DCAD program. The left portion of the mural reflects digital aspects of art including an iPad, computer and a shoutout to Photoshop, an industry standard graphic design and photography program. The middle represents traditional art supplies such as brushes, markers, pastels and of course, primary colors. The right side depicts the importance of film and there are arrows that reflect the importance of art in general.
Pineda-Helguera also successfully secured donations from local businesses to support the student-led effort overseen by faculty member Norm McDonald. “I was telling my neighbor about the project and it turns out that he works for Benjamin Moore paints,” he said. Pineda-Helguera also worked with the Loomis Paint store and between the two businesses, he secured $1,000 in paint supplies.
Enrolling at Jessup has improved Pineda-Helguera’s confidence as an artist. Last semester he was awarded “Best in Show” during the Fall Art Installation for his work entitled, “Tranquility and Sanctification” based on Deuteronomy 14:2.
One day, he aspires to be in a career that involves working for himself, perhaps creating artwork for children’s books or in animation. For now he will continue his education, focusing on his craft one project at a time.
