Artist Spotlight: Chris Trovador discusses 'Made in Florida' exhibit

Vicky Landon, administrator for Orange County's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, interviewed multidisciplinary artist Chris Trovador about his solo exhibit "Made in Florida" at the Multicultural Center. Trovador said the work reflects his Puerto Rican roots and memories of growing up locally, combining humor and cultural storytelling across painting, tattooing, music, comedy and filmmaking.

Trovador described early influences, saying he began drawing as a child and later added other media; he listed filmmaking as his most recent pursuit. He recounted partnering with nonprofits such as Through Angel's Eyes, where he helped children with Tay–Sachs disease create artworks that were auctioned for families. "We would take kids with Tay Sachs disease and use their ligaments as the paintbrush," he said, describing pieces made as keepsakes for parents.

Several works in the gallery mix comedic images with personal meaning: Trovador pointed to a painting of a panda captioned "not today" and an orange motif that references local culture. He said his goal is that pieces make viewers "laugh, chuckle, reflect, or remember something that sparks an idea in their lives."

Landon asked about the differences between performing solo theater and presenting a visual art show. Trovador said theatrical performance can be more nerve‑racking because it demands sustained public speaking and character work, while visual art allows more time and creative control. He also discussed tattooing, noting that client constraints sometimes limit creative freedom compared with his painting practice.

Trovador described teaching improv workshops for corporate clients, including remote sessions for employees in multiple countries, and his role in founding Latinx ensembles in Hollywood. He said he often refurbishes unsold paintings by painting over them to create new pieces.

For commissions, workshops or purchases, Trovador shared contact information on the recording: email christrovador@gmail.com and website trovador360.com, with Instagram accounts for his art and comedy. The interview closed with Landon thanking Trovador and noting the episode is part of the Artist Spotlight series.