Today we’d like to introduce you to Ada Gonzalez.
Hi Ada, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a visual artist and printmaker based in Denver, Colorado. I’ve lived here my whole life. My love for creating and expressing myself through art started when I was young. My mom always had art supplies around and encouraged us to make art. When I was younger, I wanted to be a fashion designer, so I would sketch clothing designs all the time.
It wasn’t until I went to college at Regis University that I discovered printmaking. I didn’t know much about it at first, but I quickly fell in love during my first printmaking class. After that, I continued taking printmaking courses for the rest of my time in college. I majored in Visual Arts with a double minor in Art History and Spanish.
A lot of my work explores themes of storytelling, home, and everyday experiences and objects. Things that can carry a deep sense of meaning. I especially love working with monotypes and often incorporate a variety of materials, including clothing.
I’m very happy and grateful for all the experiences I’ve had with my art so far. I’ve received an incredible amount of support from my family and my college professors. They’ve all helped me see what I’m capable of.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. During my freshman year of college, I seriously considered dropping out because I was having such a hard time with my classes and adapting to a different school environment. I didn’t know right away what I wanted to major in, so the journey of finally deciding to major in Art took longer than I expected.
The art classes were always my favorite because they felt like an escape. I spent the most time in the printmaking studio, which became a place of peace for me. That space helped ground me.
I also struggled with believing I was worthy of being part of incredible art shows and opportunities. It took a while, but I have come around to feeling proud of what I have accomplished and knowing that I am worthy because I worked hard! I am once again grateful for the people around me who reminded me that I was worthy and should be proud!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve recently been working primarily in printmaking. My favorite type is monotypes because of how unique and unpredictable they can be. You never fully know what the print will look like until it comes through the press. I’ve spent hours inking a plate only for it to turn out completely different than I envisioned, but that’s part of what I love about the process.
I enjoy incorporating clothing, fabric, and different textures into my prints. Some of my most recent work features little girl clothing. When I choose which clothes to use, I look for garments that are rich in texture and carry deep personal meaning.
What I’m most proud of is how much I’ve grown in expressing myself through my art. There was a time when I struggled to share my inner world, but printmaking has helped me come out of my shell. I hope everyone finds something that makes them feel this free!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always more than happy to connect with other artists and hear their stories and journeys. I’m always inspired by listening to other artists share their journeys and what shaped their work. I would love to create and collaborate with other artists. There’s something so special about ideas coming together to form something new and meaningful!
I always appreciate people supporting my work by following me on Instagram. You can find me at @adagonzalez_arte!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adagonzalezarte.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adagonzalez_arte/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ada-gonzalez-2ab119358
Image Credits
The picture where taken by Sean Gruno and Emilie Friske!
