Check out Jessica Gonzales’ Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Gonzales.

Jessica, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I began making art at a very young age. I was always encouraged creatively by my family, friends, and teachers. Some of my earliest drawings were depictions of my friends in elementary school. When I discovered I was able to create a likeness of them, I realized that this was an outlet with endless opportunity and that I wanted to do it for the rest of my life. I found that using art as a tool to communicate and connect with others became an incredibly significant way for me to navigate through society, especially in my youth. I made up for the challenges I faced with social interaction by expressing myself creatively, and therefore facilitating meaningful conversations with those around me. Throughout my life, I’ve continued to utilize art as a vessel to release inner dialogue and keep me grounded.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do? Why? And what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I enjoy exploring a variety of painting and drawing materials but work mostly in acrylic paint. I have always been intrigued by the interactions between opposing elements, both conceptually and aesthetically. I’ve always found myself to be teetering on the cusp between two very different worlds and I find that this sort of tension makes its way into my work.

I’ve always lived privately, and in my own head, so the majority of my art comes from personal thoughts and ideas that I obsess over internally. These concepts vary between sexuality, a woman’s position in the public eye, sociology, sleep, inner dialogue, love, chaos, etc.

It is important to me that I release burdens from my mind – I don’t hold grudges, and I try not to dwell on negativity. For this reason, I choose to work in color and texture that I find uplifting in some way. My work is heavily fueled by personal experience and emotional expression, and I strive to convey these concepts while creating pieces that allow me to feel enlivened in the end. I hope that my work evokes a sense of emotion, intrigue, or curiosity in its viewers.

The stereotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
Firstly I think it’s important to remember that art can be created on any surface. One should never feel limited to using the most professional of materials all of the time. It is more important to keep creating, even if you have to make some sacrifices to do so. I’ve painted and drawn on cardboard, pizza boxes, found bits of wood, etc. You never know what you’re capable of creating when you venture outside of your comfort zone.

Secondly, utilize social media however possible. Put your work in group shows, in cafes, in bars, anywhere that will have you. Just get seen. Being proactive about these kinds of opportunities generates interest and almost always opens doors to more opportunities.

Sometimes it’s helpful to work smaller. Maybe you enjoy working on large canvases, but the cost of materials is not in the budget. Try working on a series of small pieces, and you’ll probably learn something new about your techniques in the process.

Sometimes it’s necessary to work a “regular” job, whether full or part-time. In these cases, I think it’s extremely helpful to set aside a chunk of time every day or week and dedicate it solely to creating. Set a timer if you need to. Set goals. Do whatever it takes to continue making work while balancing a job when finances are challenging.

And last, take a look at old projects sitting around. Maybe there’s something you never completed and after time away from it you are inspired to get it done. Maybe you have a vision for an unfinished piece that you didn’t see before. Perhaps there’s something you completed in the past that’s sitting around because it’s not one of your favorite pieces. Post it on social media and see what happens. Someone may love it!

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I have painted 13 murals at Tucson’s Hotel McCoy, (along with paintings on display in the hotel lobby), two murals inside Cobra Arcade Tucson, and will be showing work in Crooked Tooth Brewery for the month of May. My work can also be viewed on Facebook at Jessica Gonzales Art, and on Instagram, @jessicagonzalesart.

Contact Info:

• Email: jessicagonzalesart@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicagonzalesart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaGonzalesArt/

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.