We were lucky to catch up with Wendy Gracia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Wendy, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I believe that my optimism comes from a drive to make art that matters to me, and what matters to me is staying positive in the face of adversity (while also acknowledging and accepting that difficult moments and difficult feelings are also worthy of existing). Most of my paintings are made with thoughtfulness particularly in their color palette: I create artworks with vibrant hues or fun objects with less saturated hues that bring a sense of joy to the viewer. My intent is to create art that resonates with others because I feel it is important to find connection, and I think that by projecting a sense of optimism or positivity into my paintings, I can share some of that joy with the still lifes I create.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
By day, I work in non-profits (part-time at a museum and part-time at a cultural center). When people ask me what I do, however, I always tell them I’m a painter. I paint still life’s, primarily, of objects that interest me. Typically those objects are Mexican folk art like alebrijes or embroidered things. I also really enjoy painting pastries, candies, and pan dulces (Mexican sweet bread).
What I really enjoy, aside from painting, is being able to participate in group shows throughout San Diego. I’ve had my art shown at Bread & Salt locally as well as in friend’s and peers’ studios and galleries, as well as galleries throughout Orange County (Brea) and LA (La Luz de Jesus). It’s always a pleasure to sell a piece and know that somebody liked my art enough to buy it, but more than that, it’s the people I meet and the friendships I make through these exhibitions. I love to connect with my fellow artists and learn about how they battle with impostor syndrome or how they deal with an art block. Most of all, it’s just great to know that there are so many artists out there passionate about what they do who love my paintings as much as I love their work.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe that transferring to Laguna College of Art + Design after taking art classes at my local community college helped in terms of developing my skills. It was my time at Southwestern College (Chula Vista) in their Arts department that made me realize I could pursue art “professionally”. Some of my professors there were exhibiting artists who had their works in galleries and museums. That was really the first moment that I thought I could do that. My belief in myself definitely pushed me forward. After that, it was just learning as much as I could. Particularly with techniques. LCAD’s fine art department focused a lot on Renaissance-style learning: learning how to paint and draw like the masters, and then in my senior year of undergrad, learning that I could take what I like and let loose with the rest.
I would absolutely advise any aspiring artist to just learn as much as they can. From art history to techniques to color theory and light theory, etc. Even if you don’t end up using these fundamentals in your personal work, just knowing you CAN use them if you chose and knowing you have the ability to execute these skills will help exponentially. At least, they did for me.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
My main challenge I would say it just getting over it. Getting over my fear of not being good enough and getting over my anxiety of feeling like I’m not producing enough or doing enough. Because I am. I’m doing more than enough.
In a society that favors constant output (looking at you, social media) it’s easy to feel like you’re not being productive. Ultimately, reminding myself that I’m making art for myself and that I paint because I feel that I need to in my heart to be happy. It’s my outlet for all my feelings and it’s what I feel drawn to and driven to, so just acknowledging that I am my own greatest obstacle and that I need to just get out of my own way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wendyispainting.wixsite.com/wendygraciafineart
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wendyispainting
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/wendyispainting
- Other: https://linktr.ee/wendyispainting
Image Credits
Alexis Lopez
