In this interview, Mexican painter Amador Montes reflects on the two distinct spheres that shape an artist’s professional life: the camaraderie‑filled community of fellow artists and the demanding, image‑driven art market. He describes how, while he feels at ease working in his studio—painting, listening to music, and enjoying coffee or mezcal—he has historically struggled with the social rituals of galleries, openings, and high‑profile events, recalling his first show with Oscar Romano in Polanco where he felt out of place and rushed out. Montes likens his difficulty to actors who find the red carpet more challenging than the performance itself, emphasizing that the act of painting feels like a divine gift, whereas public exposure feels laborious. He notes that despite the discomfort, navigating these market expectations is necessary to avoid being left behind, especially as modern social media now allows artists to sell without a strong public persona. He also credits fellow artist Sergio Hernández for normalizing these awkward experiences and helping him become more comfortable in the art‑world setting.