Check Out Eloisa Lynch-Rocha’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eloisa Lynch-Rocha.

Eloisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My passion for creating and sharing art began when I was a child. I was born and grew up in Mexico City, and my family always made sure that I had space at home to be creative. I used to pretend that I had long hair by wearing cloth in my head and I would spend hours painting. When I was 21 years old, I came to the US by myself in search for my roots and college education (my father was from here, and my mom raised me on her own). I studied graphic design, but I soon realized that my passion for creating involved making a mess and getting my hands dirty.

I also knew that I wanted to share my passion with as many people as I could. My mother and my grandfather were long-life teachers and they are a huge source of inspiration. A few years after finishing college, I moved to NYC because I wanted to experience the creative energy of the city. I took lessons at the Art Students League and found a path to my own style, thanks to artist Sherry Camhy. I was a K -8 art teacher there and subsequently in Colorado Springs for the past twelve years. My mom, who is my light, and I currently live in Denver, where I’m also a middle school art teacher. I love bringing everyone I come in contact with closer to personal freedom through art, poetry and self-expression.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My main struggle stemmed from the fact that I moved here on my own and my mom could not really support me economically or even advise me on how to navigate this experience in a new country. I also struggled to fit in because of the language and culture, but I learned the perseverance needed from my mom, who never gave up. I always felt different and even weird, but I try to channel these feelings when I interact with my students. I want them to be themselves just as much as I want that for myself!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Because I’m a teacher, I love to learn. And because I love to learn, I love mixed media. I’m known for always trying new techniques, but I’m currently working on a series of gold leaf collage portraits of people who inspire me. I mix line drawing, acrylic painting, collage and gold leaf to create half-real/half abstract portraits of people. Who inspires me I also use symbols to share the essence of these humans who stand for inclusion, passion and creativity. The abstract side symbolizes scars and the imperfect side that we hide from others. I believe that art can change the way in which we see people because The humanity we share is stronger than our differences.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes! I feel that this Portrait series stems from the joy that I get from finally seeing people. Our face masks made me crave a smile, connection, and the joy that those things bring us. Even though we’re not perfect, our need for connection is. I also got to see how my students persevered and that gave the strength to become a more multifaceted teacher/sharer.

Pricing:

• $25 (+s/h) 11×16, Rectangular, collage, portrait prints.
• $35 (+s/h) 11×16, Oval, Collage Portrait Prints
• $100(+s/h) 16×20 Oval, mounted, collage prints
• $350 (+s/h) 16×29 oval canvas, custom, collage portraits.

Contact Info:

• Email: eloisa.lynch@gmail.com
• Website: www.patreon.com/binaryme
• Instagram: Instagram.com/eloisa.lynch

Image Credits
Carol Caco, Noor Baroudi, Leila Baroudi, Allyson Coan.