Ernesto Yerena working with a spray can. (Photo: Juan Luis Garcia)

HECHO CON GANAS (HCG) is the new project from Ernesto Yerena, a 23 year old El Centro artist that has stenciled his way to Los Angeles.

He describes HCG on his website as, “an experiment and art-publisher that explores the lengths one can reach through motivation, persistence, and hard work. The phrase hecho con ganas is Spanish for made with motivation / desire / passion. HCG isn’t just a title, but a clear and powerful phrase that sums up the very spirit of the project.”

He adds that while HCG is heavily influenced by Chicano / Mexican-American culture, it also honors those who work against all odds to reach success with ganas regardless of culture, nationality, sex or age.

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Yerena and I we were chillin’ in his garage/studio in Echo Park shooting the shit. He said, “There are artist out there that are a forty times better than me but they don’t have work ethic. I have worked really hard. Ganas, hard work is what does it.”

He doesn’t only talk the talk; he walks the walk.

Years ago, in search of a path for artistic growth he left his small town of El Centro to explore the art scene in San Diego. It didn’t take long for him to set his sights further and he took his mothers advice to come to LA.

“I was really afraid of LA,” he said, “I’m from a small town and I always heard LA was a big, dangerous city and I was young.”

That didn’t stop him. On his first visit to LA to scout schools he visited the Art Institute in Santa Monica where he picked up a flyer for a Shepard Fairey event. Immediately he planned a return trip to our fair Los with his mind set on meeting Fairey.

On the trip back his friends made plenty of jokes about him bringing his portfolio along to the event. He held firm and after the event he met Fairey, showed him his art and instantly talked his way into an internship at the world famous studio.

That was 2006. Since then he has made a name for himself creating his own collection of work. He’s had the fortune of collaborating not only with Fairey, but also with popular revolutionary icons like Zack de la Rocha and Chuck D among others.

The Obey influence is visible in his art but in his own work he has chosen to represent his Mexican culture and struggle. He lends plenty of his time and work to the immigrant cause by creating pieces that represent those who fight against racism and human rights abuse.

Growing up, Yerena spent a lot of time in Mexicali. It was minutes away and across the border from El Centro.

“That’s what I missed the most when I came to LA; the closeness to Mexico,” said Yerena.

His nostalgia drew him to create a series of pieces representing the norteño culture. Back in his studio we listened to Ramon Ayala and Chente as he completed a work with stenciled letters reading, “con dinero o sin dinero, siempre hago lo que quiero.”

Yerena is an inspiration. Even for an old cholo like me. Seeing a young man work hard and get things done without making excuses or creating self-imposed walls is liberating.

To see more of his work visit his website: www.hechoconganas.com

LA shows are in the works.
For now Yerena will exhibit in a group show at:

White Walls Gallery in San Francisco
Opening Reception Saturday, October 10th 7-11pm
Runs Through November 7th
For more info please visit their blog at http://whitewallsnews.com

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Rafael Cardenas can be reached at eastsiderwriter@gmail.com

You can also find his writing in the Citizen LA.
(Click image below to go to site.)