Bringing History to Life

 The portrayal is so realistic and lifelike that a local veteran told Valdez, “The only thing missing is the smell.”  

“It was a powerful experience painting this mural,” said Valdez. “Not only because I am an American but to think of what these Marines experienced. The raising of the flag is like an emblem of what we conquered. One woman told me she cried when she saw it because it is so lifelike and real.”

 People would watch Valdez creating the mural each day. “I did enhance the background with clouds to make it more dramatic and to intensify that feeling of what was happening. Photographic detail is my specialty,” he said. “One of the reasons this picture was selected is because the last man on the left is an Arizona native, Ira Hayes of the Puma Akimel O’odham Tribe,” said Valdez. 

 Painting at night with aerosol paints, a medium that he prefers for murals, the project took Valdez about eight weeks to complete. “I prefer working at night mostly because of the wind, but it’s also a feeling I get at night. It’s a completely different vibe. I’m very sensitive and at night I can get really in tune with my work and I can work for hours upon hours. During the day there’s also a lot more distractions.”

 “Claudio was fantastic during this job,” said Bill Tinnin, commander of the American Legion Post #25 in Cottonwood. “I watched him work during the night and his meticulousness was mind-blowing. We are extremely pleased with him and his work. He is also easy to work with and such a great guy.”

 Valdez was born in El Salvador but came to New York when he was a year old. Growing up, he was fascinated by his mom’s creativity as a seamstress and his grandfather’s talents in carpentry. Valdez says that is what planted a desire for art in his heart. 

“My mom was always creative but to watch her take a piece of fabric and make it into a dress always amazed me. My grandfather taught me at a young age how to work with his carpentry tools,” he said.

 When Valdez ventured to enroll in art school, a counselor redirected his studies. “He told me that I was already an artist and suggested I obtain a business background so I could understand how the other end of it works. I thought it was a good idea, so I obtained my bachelor’s degree in marketing and then attended the Parsons School of Art and Design in New York.”

 After Sept. 11, Valdez left New York for Florida, where he had a short stint working as a traveling muralist for the city. He then moved to Memphis, where he worked for Paint Memphis, a non-profit organization that paints large collaborative murals around the city involving local and international artists. 

“They gave me a shot and it was the best thing for me. They said we believe in you and they started giving me big walls to paint. I was overwhelmed because they had me working with seasoned artists from around the world. It was the catalyst to my career.”

 It was in Florida that Valdez gained the name “Quadrillion Miles.”  

“This was my original name when I first started painting there. I wanted to evoke that sense of how far I’ve come from where I started. It’s not about money but length, hence the miles. Now people just call me ‘Quadrillion.’”

 One of his current projects is PJ’s Pub in Sedona. Owner Sherie Booth says Valdez will be working on two projects, the frontage sign and a mural behind the bar. “He’s a great guy to work with and so talented,” said Booth. “The project behind the bar will be one that no one has seen before, using fiberoptic lighting.” 

 Sedona was a lifelong childhood dream for Valdez. “I remember in the fifth grade I saw this book that featured Sedona. The beauty just stuck with me. Once I got here, I fell in love – the red rocks, the air – I just felt at home and sometimes I feel like I’m on another planet.”

Climbing and hiking the canyons around Sedona are passions of Valdez. His goal is to bring a different element to Arizona. “I want to resculpt Arizona’s artistic future with stunning quality that will outlive me and people can enjoy and talk about it for generations to come.”

My Role Model

My grandfather instilled in me to be very disciplined. He taught me that when you take a job you complete the job to the best of your ability. He taught me to have unfailing discipline in my work. He lived to be 103 and looked like he was 70. He would ask me questions a lot and never gave me the answer because he wanted me to figure it out on my own.

Favorite Character Qualities 

Integrity, honesty and curiosity.

Daily Ritual   

I take a daily walk and I like to leave my tools out and all set up at night so in the morning I don’t have to scramble to get ready. It’s a huge time saver for me and I can rest well, because I’m prepared for work. I do this for hiking, too. I have my rope and essentials, packed and ready to go.

When I Feel Nostalgic 

I think of my grandfather often. I also do commercial signage on wood, so I think of him and try to imagine how he would handle the project.   

Last Time I Was Starstruck

It was my second visit to Memphis for the Paint Memphis Mural Festival. I painted Rihanna as [early Egyptian] Queen Nefertiti that year and I did a walk around the area and realized I was sandwiched between some very well-established artists. They uplifted my spirit, gave me hope and the opportunities I needed to go forth and pursue my goals with unbridled passion. I’m really thankful for that. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Valdez can be reached at koolimages@protonmail.com or 407-414-1259.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Standing in front of his mural at the American Legion building in Cottonwood, Valdez says the project took eight weeks to complete, creating with aerosol paint during the day and at night.