Episode #148 – Rayos Magos

Episode #148 – Rayos MagosRayos Magos grew up on the west side of San Jose, utilizing art as a natural way to navigate the world. He initially studied journalism at SF State before pivoting to earn degrees in psychology and working on the front lines of community mental health. In April 2021, he left his counseling career to pursue art full-time—a psychological lens that remains foundational to his work. Today, his practice has expanded into complex, large-scale mixed-media textiles, canvas manipulation, and embroidery, drawing from family archives to examine identity, contemporary Chicano culture, and Mesoamerican mythology.In parallel with his studio practice, Magos teaches and leads workshops for “Home Is Where the Art Is,” a program developed by housing nonprofit HomeFirst. Working within transitional housing units, Magos uses expressive arts to help residents break through creative baggage. These workshops culminate in a formal gallery exhibition and art auction, with 100% of the proceeds returned directly to the resident creators to build financial autonomy and human connection.In this conversation, Magos traces his journey from childhood sketching and neighborhood graffiti to slinging prints in Mexico City and hustling as an artist, now working between Toronto, Canada, and San Jose.Rayos Magos:Website: rayos-magos.square.siteInstagram: @rayos_magosHomeFirst:Website: homefirstscc.orgInstagram: @homefirstservices_scc