Cardiartist
Raised in the tough streets of Far Rockaway, Queens, NY, Daniel Larios, known as the Cardiartist, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at the age of four. He underwent several heart surgeries throughout his childhood and into adulthood. Despite these challenges, he was blessed with artistic talent, creating logos and brand identities for various businesses.
Daniel designed a logo that symbolises his journey as a heart patient—a journey shared by millions worldwide who have experienced the anxiety of pre-surgery, the painful recovery process, and the lasting scars, both inside and out. This logo was created during a bleak and fragile period in his life when he was given a 50/50 chance of survival. At this low point, he chose to focus on the one thing that had been healing him since the age of four: art. Determined to use the second chance he was given, he aimed to create something that would unite millions of hearts and reinvent heart awareness. The brand was created as a badge of honour for heart patients of all ages.
Daniel unapologetically and passionately promotes heart health at art conventions and galleries. He also hosts an annual heart fundraiser, where he transformed the acronym CHD, originally for congenital heart disease, into ‘Creative Heart Designs.’ This initiative raises funds through art on signature Cardiartist wooden panels for charities supporting the heart community. Cardiartist has also been actively involved with his home hospital, Columbia Presbyterian, providing art that helps change the way patients see themselves and reminds them that they are not alone. Additionally, Daniel created the first CHD resin designer toy, ‘Resiluv,’ as a gift to all, symbolising resilience and love.
About CardiArtist’s work “Layers of the Heart: See, Hear, Speak”:
This three-dimensional artwork of the Cardiartist mask features layers on a wooden base painted with acrylic paint and decoupage. 3 dimensional aspect was added to represent the complex experiences of heart patients. The mask’s eyes show different heart images studied by medical experts as well as EKG wave embellishments.
Traditionally seen in a "see no, hear no, speak no" pose, the mask in this artwork transforms to say: "Hear my pain," "See my pain," and "Voice my pain," raising awareness of the challenges faced by heart patients.
The piece also honors key moments in cardiac history that occurred in 1960. This includes Dr. Nina Starr Braunwald's pioneering achievement as the first woman to perform open-heart surgery, as well as the development of the first fully implantable pacemaker and the mechanical replacement valve.
Overall, its detail and calls for empathy and recognition of heart patients' struggles.
About CardiArtist’s work “Ready Doc”:
At the core of this digital artwork is a single moment frozen in time, representing courage born from vulnerability. Here, a patient faces their biggest challenge alone, with no loved ones nearby, just the stark reality of surgery ahead.
In this scene, the patient transforms into something more than themselves. They become the "cardiartist," a persona born of resilience and fortified by bravery. It's a metaphorical mask they wear, not to conceal, but to empower—an emblem of strength that shields them from the growing fear and doubt.
The artwork, aptly titled "Ready Doc," is a digital canvas that channels influences from graffiti, cartoons, and life's myriad experiences. It's a homage to the spirit of characters like Bugs Bunny, who face adversity with unwavering humor and courage. The phrase "Ready Doc," boldly displayed, begs the question: Is it the patient or their alter ego speaking these words?
Instagram: cardiartist
Website: cardiartist.com