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Cornelio Campos

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Early life and family
Cornelio Campos was born in August 1971 in Cheran Michoacan, Mexico. Growing up, his father was a construction worker, and his mother stayed home to care for him and his nine siblings. His family were members of an indigenous Mexican group called Tarascos, the culture of the Tarascos became an important source of inspiration for Campos as he started his artistic career. From a young age, Campos demonstrated a knack for art and drawing. Throughout his school years, he always helped his classmates with artwork. He mimicked art from comic books until the age of eight. At that point, a student at a fine arts school nearby began to give him art lessons. This student came and taught the kids in Campos’s hometown basic art skills, like drawing and painting, every weekend. He was never taught intricate techniques, but by working as an apprentice to his teacher, Campos was able to learn more artistic skills. His mentor’s work focused on the Tarascos culture, and is the reason much of Campos’s work now deals with Tarascos culture. As Campos grew older, his passion for art continued to develop, and his friends and family encouraged him to continue painting. After completing high school, Campos decided to visit family in the United States. Realizing the potential that lay ahead of him, Campos made the difficult decision to immigrate to the United States in the 1980s to pursue a more prosperous future. Residing with his grandfather and other family members in Los Angeles, Campos was able to dedicate careful attention to expanding his artwork. After two years, Campos decided to leave Los Angeles and move across the country to live with his cousin. During his time in Los Angeles the majority of his attention was dedicated to his artwork, but the scene in North Carolina for Campos was much different. He decided to join his cousin and work in the tobacco fields, making him unable to dedicate as much of his time to his artwork. In addition to farming, Campos took English classes in Durham. It was through these classes that he met his future wife and was eventually able to gain legal citizenship.

Professional Life
Cornelio Campos is a full time artist and full time alarm technician. He recognizes the financial struggles of being an aspiring artist, and therefore he tries to set an example by managing a second job. Campos believes a balance within life is needed. He explains how he finds inspiration for his artistic career through construction workers at his alarm technician job. Campos’ artistic career has positively impacted his family and loved ones. Campos explained that seven of his family members have been able to visit him in North Carolina, where he currently resides. While family members were applying for a travel Visa to enter the United States, Campos’ successful career helped confirm that he was able to support their stay and that their intentions were solely to visit Campos then return to Mexico. (used from speech in class)